Africa: The renewable energy sector regenerates 307,000 jobs on the continent, or 2.41% of the global total

The African continent regenerates 307,000 jobs in the renewable energy sector, or 12.7% out of a total of 12.7 million worldwide. This is according to the report “Renewable Energy and Jobs” published by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

According to IRENA, this low rate is justified by the still quite low level of development of the renewable energy sector in Africa.

“The capacities installed on the continent represent only about 1% of the world’s solar photovoltaic and wind capacities, despite the continent’s wind and solar potential, the low level of financing allocated to its energy sector prevents its optimal development and the jobs it could generate,” the report said.

The same document suggests the following: “Africa’s adoption of a more ambitious energy transition that promotes access to centralized and decentralized renewable electricity would create direct and indirect jobs in agriculture, health services, commerce and other productive uses. But if the continent really wants to make renewable energy a lever for job creation, it must above all bet on the manufacturing part. In China, for example, of the 2.7 million jobs generated by the solar sector, 59% are related to manufacturing. »

As a recommendation, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) suggests that African countries “bet on the manufacture of solar panels, wind turbines, among other devices beyond the distribution activity, which is more often provided by foreign companies.