Report

EmPowering Africa’s Most Vulnerable – Access to Solar Energy in Complex Crises

Published 01. Sep 2020
Africa Environment
Half of Africa’s population lacks access to electricity. This has vast implications on people’s health and safety, education, social inequality and economic growth. Displaced people are particularly vulnerable and solar power can be part of the solution.

A new report, published by NORCAP and Boston Consulting Group, shows what actions and actors are needed to accelerate the use of clean energy among displaced and host communities.

Some key messages from the report:

  • 9 million displaced and host persons in Sub-Saharan Africa can benefit from solar solutions in 2030, at a relatively small investment.
  • Solar power requires slightly higher initial investments than fossil energy, but is significantly cheaper in use. In sum, this could save millions of dollars globally.
  • In addition to economic benefits, switching to solar energy could also reduce hazardous smoke and fire traps stemming from the use of wood, diesel and kerosene.
  • If we are to overcome the challenges facing this transition, we need to bring together the humanitarian, development and peacebuilding actors, while also involving displaced and host communities. The report provides several suggestions as to how this can be done.