Running Title:
Renewable Energy and Urban Carbon Reduction in Africa
Abstract
Africa’s rapid urbanisation has placed unprecedented pressure on energy systems, resulting in increased dependence on fossil fuels and heightened urban carbon emissions. With cities like Lagos, Cairo, Nairobi, and Johannesburg expanding rapidly, the demand for energy-intensive infrastructure, housing, transport, and industry has surged, further exacerbating carbon footprints. This scenario has raised concerns over sustainability, climate vulnerability, and the continent’s ability to achieve its commitments under the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study explores the role of renewable energy—particularly solar, wind, hydro, and biomass—in reducing urban carbon footprints across African cities. It examines how the adoption of clean energy technologies, decentralised energy systems, and supportive policy frameworks can drive sustainable urban growth while mitigating climate change. Using a mixed-methods approach that combines secondary data analysis, literature review, and case studies from select African cities, the research evaluates the opportunities, challenges, and pathways for scaling renewable energy adoption. Findings highlight that while renewable energy adoption in African cities has increased, progress remains uneven due to infrastructural deficits, financing constraints, and weak policy implementation. However, emerging initiatives—such as solar microgrids in rural-urban peripheries, waste-to-energy plants, and green building policies—show strong potential to cut carbon emissions significantly. The study concludes that renewable energy adoption is critical not only for decarbonisation but also for energy access, job creation, and resilience against climate shocks.
Keywords: Renewable Energy, Urbanisation, Carbon Footprints, Sustainable Cities, Africa,
