Energy Transition Indicators in African Countries: Managing the Possible Decline of Fossil Fuels and Tackling Energy Access Challenges

Abstract

The global move to tackle climate change as envisaged in the 2015
Paris Agreement has necessitated debates and action geared towards
transitioning to a low carbon economy. Although there is no agreed
international definition of energy transition, the focus has been put to
a shift from fossil fuels to renewables. This paper is intended to
contribute to the global debate on energy transition with a focus on
the initiatives taking place in a few selected countries. The argument
in this paper is to the effect that many developing countries still need
fossil fuels to tackle energy access challenges and ensure economic
growth. Nevertheless, this does not in any way mean that these
countries are climate change deniers. In this respect, the question to
be addressed in this article is how can we measure energy transition
efforts in developing countries? In responding to this question, the
article attempts to develop and analyse some key energy transition
indicators.