G20-Africa Cooperation in the Renewable Energy Sector: Progress and Critical Perspectives

Abstract

Africa's huge renewable energy resources and abundant untapped critical minerals complement to G20 member nations progress in the renewable energy sector. The G20 and Africa or African Union (AU) together share a common interest in cooperating each other under the expanded "G21" framework to utilise renewable resources. Although the G20's priorities not necessarily fully align to Africa's development necessities and expectations yet there remains a mutual ground for strategic collaboration. In the light of African Union's membership in G20 in 2023, this paper examines the existing opportunities and future prospects for mutual cooperation between G20 and Africa within the broad spectrum of “G21”. Adopting and applying an Africa-cantered analysis, the paper evaluates both progress and key challenges in shaping G20–Africa relations in the renewable sector for energy transition.