The global energy transition, while necessary for climate resilience and sustainable development, risks deepening existing gender inequalities if it fails to include women in its design and benefits. In Africa, the clean energy transition intersects directly with gender roles, household energy use, and economic participation. The exclusion of women from policymaking and enterprise opportunities within the clean energy space limits their potential as agents of change.
Drawing on 10 peer-reviewed studies and three key informant interviews, this policy brief examines the challenges and opportunities for African women within the clean energy transition. It identifies systemic barriers such as lack of access to capital, limited technical training, and structural underrepresentation in decision-making spaces. It also highlights successful models, such as Solar Sister, which demonstrate the transformative potential of women-led clean energy initiatives.
The brief offers targeted recommendations for action by governments, development partners, and private actors. These include increasing women’s involvement in energy planning and governance, investing in financial literacy and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, and developing innovative financing solutions tailored to women entrepreneurs. By addressing these structural gaps, stakeholders can ensure that Africa’s energy transition is not only environmentally sustainable but also equitable and inclusive.