• Africa holds vast solar and wind resources that can drive sustainable power generation but must manage ecological risks.
• The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) proposes six “nature-positive” planning principles tailored for Africa.
• Successful case studies in Morocco, Mali, Gambia, and Sierra Leone show how renewables can balance energy access with ecosystem protection.

Like other regions, Africa has paid a high price for fossil fuel dependency. Oil flaring, spills and pollution have left lasting scars on producer nations. Renewables now represent what analysts describe as a historic opportunity: to build local, sustainable energy while reducing the continent’s share of global emissions.

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has outlined six “nature-positive” planning principles to guide this transition. These principles carry particular weight in Africa, where the urgency of electrification meets fragile ecosystems.

The first principle emphasizes integrated site planning. It calls for combining environmental, social and energy data to identify high-potential renewable zones with minimal ecological disruption. This approach seeks to avoid sensitive natural and cultural areas.

The second principle promotes co-use of already modified spaces, such as farmland, industrial wastelands or water reservoirs. Morocco has tested this with its first floating solar plant at the Oued Rmel dam. The 13-megawatt facility will supply green power to the Tanger Med port complex while reducing water evaporation during severe drought.

Projects in Mali and Gambia show how solar energy can pair with agriculture. Under the APV-MaGa project, solar panels shield crops from excessive heat while generating electricity. This model illustrates how energy transition can protect both livelihoods and food security.

IRENA’s principles also stress restoration and adaptation. Developers should prevent irreversible damage, restore sites to their original state, or compensate unavoidable impacts. They should also adopt technologies that adjust to natural dynamics.

Extending the life cycle of power plants is critical. Modernizing existing facilities can increase output without occupying new land.

Local communities must remain central to the process. In Sierra Leone, law requires free, prior and informed consent for any industrial project. This legal safeguard ensures population participation in decision-making and strengthens long-term sustainability.

If Africa manages to scale renewable deployment while respecting ecosystems, it could not only close its power deficit but also offer a model for other regions facing similar challenges.

This article was initially published in French by Abdoullah Diop

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum