The African clean energy pledge adoption by non-state actors across the continent is emerging as a practical framework for strengthening climate resilience and expanding energy access for vulnerable communities.

The African clean energy pledge momentum is growing as non-state actors across Africa unite around renewable energy as the foundation for climate resilience and sustainable development.

African governments, businesses, and civil society groups adopted a landmark declaration at the Climate Chance Africa 2025 Summit in Benin on October 27 and 28, 2025. The Cotonou Declaration charts a practical path forward for communities facing mounting climate pressures. This pledge represents a significant commitment from non-state actors who recognize that energy access remains the gateway to economic opportunity across the continent. 

Energy access remains uneven across Africa, with millions still lacking reliable electricity. The plan specifically prioritizes vulnerable communities through three interconnected goals: increased investment in clean energy infrastructure tailored to local needs, stronger financial mechanisms to support community-led projects, and integrated policies bringing together governments, businesses, and residents. 

The Cotonou Declaration recognizes that clean energy creates immediate benefits beyond climate mitigation. Solar panels and small wind systems generate electricity for vulnerable communities lacking grid connections. Renewable power improves food security through irrigation and strengthens public health by powering refrigeration for medicines and water purification. These practical benefits underscore why the African clean energy pledge has gained traction among diverse stakeholders. 

Job creation emerged as a central theme in advancing clean energy. The declaration highlights how renewable energy projects employ young people and women in growing sectors. A solar installation business needs electricians, engineers, and technicians, skilled workers who build local expertise and economic opportunity. 

Luc Gnacadja, vice president of Climate Chance, emphasized that energy itself functions as “the lifeblood of the economy,” drawing on remarks by Beninese President Patrice Talon. This energy, he stressed, must be clean and renewable in both production and distribution. The clean energy commitment reflects this understanding that prosperity and environmental protection must advance together. 

Sustainable biomass management captured particular attention in discussions surrounding the African clean energy pledge. Fuelwood remains the primary cooking fuel for millions across Africa. When harvested responsibly, it functions as a carbon-neutral resource. Yet, uncontrolled cutting still threatens forests, accelerates desertification, and worsens flooding and other climate hazards. The declaration calls for widespread adoption of improved cookstoves and microfinance programs to reduce wood consumption while preserving ecosystems. 

Financial barriers remain substantial obstacles to scaling the clean energy pledge across the continent. Renewable energy projects struggle to secure affordable capital. Participants emphasized that public funds must serve as guarantees to attract private investment, particularly from within Africa. Reinvesting portions of carbon market revenues into climate projects could accelerate progress toward the pledge goals. 

The summit welcomed existing African initiatives like the Africa Climate Innovation Compact and the Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa (APRA), but noted they need broader participation to fully advance the commitment. Success depends on including smaller organizations and designing financial tools accessible to community microprojects. 

Mini-grids and micro-generation systems emerged as practical solutions supporting the pledge in both rural and urban areas. These smaller-scale systems can serve informal settlements where grid extension proves cost-prohibitive. Local authorities must be supported by accessible climate finance and better communication with national governments to implement these solutions effectively. 

Including energy planning in sustainable urban development directly improves resilience in vulnerable communities, a cornerstone of the African clean energy pledge strategy. Climate Chance president Ronan Dantec called for an alliance of West African coastal cities to make renewable energy central to climate adaptation. He also emphasized strengthened cooperation between Europe and Africa on faster renewable energy deployment. 

Benin illustrates what commitment looks like in practice. Since 2016, the country has positioned climate and biodiversity at the heart of its national strategy. In 2017, Benin launched a €47-million solar project to supply electricity to 50,000 homes through four power plants, demonstrating how governments can shift energy production toward renewables aligned with the framework. 

The takeaway is straightforward: Africa possesses the renewable energy potential and human capacity to build a low-carbon future through commitments like the African clean energy pledge. Communities already demonstrate innovative solutions through local knowledge and engaged young people. What remains is scaling these efforts through adequate financing, accessible technology, and integrated policies that respect local rights.