The Geopolitics of Renewable Energy in Eastern Africa

Abstract

This paper focuses on the nexus between geopolitics and renewable energy in the Eastern Africa. The article sets out to explore the potential geopolitical implications of the transition to renewable energy in the region. The authors observe that there is an increasing attention to renewable energy sources (wind, solar, hydro, geothermal etc.) in the region with potential socio - political and economic impact. Existing literature on the region have focused on the relationship between energy and conflict as well as challenges in accessing energy. However, there is a gap in    literature, theory and systematic framework with regard to the implication of renewable energy transition on the geopolitics in the region. The authors adopt an extensive analysis of existing academic publications, government reports and other relevant publications to draw the relationship between geopolitics and renewable energy in the Eastern African region. The study concludes that the geopolitical benefits of renewable energy in the region far out - weight the risks and recommends increased adoption of renewable energy given the merits of the region’s vast resources that can support more renewable energy in the region overcoming energy deficiencies and contribute to the fight against climate change.