Africa’s Path to a Renewables-Based Economy
The African editions of REN21’s RENdez-vous Dialogue Series explore how renewable energy can drive system-wide change and deliver sustainable, inclusive growth. Grounded in real-world conditions and regional expertise, the series examines how renewables can power a Renewables-Based Economy (RBE) — one where energy is central to economic transformation, resilience, and development.
RENdez-vous Africa Dialogue Series: What Does a RBE Mean for Africa?
The first dialogue in the series, What Does a Renewables-Based Economy Mean for Africa? sets the scene. It introduces the RBE concept in the African context, exploring how natural resources, trade, finance, and production systems can be reimagined through a renewables lens. By linking energy to broader development goals, the session lays the foundation for shared understanding and strategic alignment.
Watch the session:
Available here
Read the round up:
Available here
RENdez-vous Africa Dialogue Series: RE for Economic Development & Industrialisation
The second session, Renewable Energy for Economic Development and Industrialisation, dives deeper into renewables as an engine of value creation. It highlights how Africa can move from energy access to energy-enabled production — fuelling local industries, jobs, and inter-African trade. The discussion focuses on aligning energy and industrial strategies through green industrial policy and innovation.
Watch the session:
Available here
Read the round up:
Available here
RENdez-vous Africa Dialogue Series: RE for Economic Development & Industrialisation
As part of this cycle, composed of both dialogues, there is an additional Africa Strategic Intelligence Brief: Unpacking an African Renewables-Based Economy, along it dedicated concluding efforts and wrap-ups. Offering actionable insights into renewables’ role in addressing global challenges through a regional lens. This cycle follows a previous one centred around “Resilience” which included three distinct RENdez-vous sessions on Building Resilient Economies and Societies with Renewables and briefs per theme.
This RENdez-vous Dialogue Series is part of REN21’s broader effort to make renewables central to economic policy and planning across all regions by convening the community through exchange and debate. With input from African experts, policymakers, and industry leaders, the dialogues are generating a shared vision for a renewables-led future — one shaped by local priorities, systems thinking, and long-term economic opportunity. These RENdez-vous’ are intended to live beyond the session, being used as catalysts for larger global conversations in international forums including the African Energy Week, COP30 and the South African G20 Presidency.
