Africa currently possesses a hydropower generation capacity of 38.8 GW, constituting approximately 17% of the continent’s average electricity generation. Despite this, a substantial gap exists between the installed capacity and the untapped potential of hydropower. To mitigate the impacts of climate change and provide clean and affordable energy access to the rapidly growing population in the region, it is crucial to fully exploit Africa’s hydropower potential, aligning with the continent’s development goals.
Efforts are underway to increase the share of Africa’s installed hydropower capacity within its energy matrix to over 23% by 2040, part of a broader initiative to achieve universal energy access. Unlocking additional financing for sustainable hydropower development is pivotal for securing Africa’s energy future, and several large-scale projects are currently in progress to deliver affordable and dispatchable electricity in the upcoming years.
In October, global energy company GE Vernova commissioned four 175 MW Francis hydropower turbines and generators at the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Station in Nigeria. This 700 MW project aims to meet up to 10% of Nigeria’s total domestic electricity needs while assisting in flood control and regional irrigation services.
Kenya’s government approved the upgrade of the Gogo Hydropower Station from 2 MW to 8.6 MW, emphasizing the untapped potential of small-, mini-, and micro-hydro systems in the country. Uganda, with over 80% of its electricity generation from hydropower, recently commissioned the 7.8 MW Nyamwamba II and 14 MW Kikagati plants, signaling a commitment to harnessing its hydroelectric resources fully.
In Cameroon, Savannah Energy signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop the 75 MW Bini à Warak Hydroelectric Project, which is set to significantly increase the country’s on-grid electricity generation capacity.
Tanzania signed an agreement for funding the Kakono Hydropower Plant, expected to add 88 MW to the national grid while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The 2 GW Julius Nyerere Hydropower Facility, scheduled for completion in 2024, will further enhance Tanzania’s total installed power capacity to 3.7 GW.
Angola’s Laúca Hydroelectric Power Plant, with a total capacity of over 2 GW, became fully operational in September, ranking as the second-largest hydroelectric power facility in Africa.
The African Development Bank and the International Hydropower Association have modernized the Africa Hydropower Monetization Program to attract foreign investment from countries like the UK, China, Canada, the US, and Norway. The program aims to develop new hydropower installations, rehabilitate existing plants, and promote private sector participation, offering significant market opportunities with low costs and relatively short lead times for hydropower projects.
