Renewable Energy Transition In Sub-Saharan Africa: Legal Prospects, Challenges And Strategic Pathways For Nigeria

Abstract

The transition to renewable energy is gaining global momentum as countries strive
to address climate change, ensure energy security, and achieve sustainable
development. In Sub-Saharan Africa, however, the shift from fossil fuels to cleaner
energy sources remains uneven, with numerous structural, legal, and institutional
challenges impeding progress. This paper critically examines the legal prospects
and barriers surrounding renewable energy adoption in the region, with a
particular focus on Nigeria the continent’s most populous nation and one of its
largest oil producers. Drawing on comparative legal analysis and policy evaluation,
the study explores how existing legal frameworks either promote or hinder
renewable energy development. It further identifies gaps in regulation, inadequate
enforcement mechanisms, and the absence of coherent energy transition policies as
key obstacles. The paper proposes strategic legal reforms tailored to Nigeria’s
socio-economic and environmental needs, emphasising the need for clear
legislation, robust institutional support, and targeted incentives to attract
investment in clean energy. By aligning national energy laws with global best
practices, Nigeria and its Sub-Saharan counterparts can accelerate the shift toward
sustainable energy systems. This study contributes to the broader discourse on
environmental governance and energy justice in the Global South, offering
practical legal pathways for a just and inclusive energy transition.