This book provides information on the distribution of the available
energy resources throughout the continent and how it is linked to the
development of individual states. Africa is considered one of the
poorest continents in the world, mainly because its development has
historically depended on imported resources including technical
expertise. This view and its associated resource management strategy are
based on the perception that Africa lacks sufficient energy resources to
drive its development agenda. Analyses of individual countries' energy
potentials, exploitation levels and distribution mechanisms are provided
with a view to identifying additional factors that are stifling Africa's
economic development. One critical factor is the relationship between
available energy resources and the energy mixes chosen by different
states, and how these can be exploited to produce the right blend of
energy for various applications such as industrial, transport, domestic,
and recreational uses. The authors provide an in-depth analysis of the
advantages and disadvantages of different energy sources in terms of
their environmental, industrialization and distribution costs, impacts,
and the development options best suited for improving Africa's economic
situation. This analysis is based on the assertion that Africa is indeed
blessed with abundant energy resources, which have not been effectively
exploited. The book not only reviews Africa's energy situation in
general, but also reveals that, while there are certainly circumstances
peculiar to individual countries, the similarities, especially within
Sub-Saharan African countries, outweigh the differences. That being
said, the challenges and available opportunities in each country should
be viewed with due consideration given to the prevailing national
resource management environment. Many initiatives in Africa fail because
of the many loopholes in the management structures, which allow
corruption, theft, and mere selfishness to thrive. In addition to the
negative impacts of these factors on implementation activities, there is
also a general lack of institutional support for initiatives that could
otherwise be very progressive. Thus, taken together, these retrogressive
practices stifle African energy development plans. The book offers a
valuable guide for developers, investors, researchers and
environmentalist, providing in-depth insights on the relationship
between available energy resources and development trends in Africa.
"By harnessing the wind and sun, your vast geothermal energy and rivers
for hydropower, you can turn this climate threat into an economic
opportunity." US President Obama's address to the African Union (2015)
