Solar panel imports are surging in Africa. So is a renewables revolution underway? And what will it mean for people there?
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Over half of Africa still lives without electricity, stalling economic progress and holding back people’s lives.
But until recently the continent accounted for just 1 per cent of solar panels globally despite enjoying world-beating levels of sunshine.
Now things are changing. Imports of solar panels from China are rocketing, and Africans are snapping up everything from micro solar panels for phones and TVs to larger solar arrays to power businesses and factories.
And this is not just happening in the biggest energy users like South Africa, Nigeria, and Algeria. Countries like Liberia, DRC, Benin, Angola, and Ethiopia have tripled their imports.
Hosts Graihagh Jackson and Jordan Dunbar speak to Dr Rose Mutiso, Science Advisor at the Energy for Growth Hub and Founder of the African Tech Futures Lab.
00:00 Meet our guest, Dr Rose Mutiso!
01:35 How Africa's electricity gap affects people and businesses
03:10 How tiny solar panels are transforming lives
05:05 The rise of "solar farms"
06:25 Why many foreign investors are wary of Africa
07:40 The chicken and the egg: Africa needs more energy demand AND supply
10:00 Why Africa's fossil fuel emissions are not a big global problem
14:00 Is solar power a "leapfrogging" technology?
15:50 The role of hydro and geothermal power
17:15 Is the Lion King accurate?
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