09/06/2026
Africa’s power shift gains momentum as renewables outpaces non-renewable energy investment by 8:1.
Johannesburg, 09 June 2026 - Africa’s energy landscape is undergoing a fundamental transformation. In 2025, Standard Bank’s financing for renewable energy power generation outpaced that for non-renewable power generation by a ratio of 8:1, signalling a shift towards cleaner and more sustainable energy systems across the continent.
With nearly 600 million people across Africa still without access to reliable electricity, addressing the energy deficit remains one of the most significant drivers of socio-economic development on the continent. Standard Bank is a leading enabler of Africa’s just energy transition, mobilising finance to improve access to affordable and reliable energy supply for Africa’s people. Last year, we committed to mobilising R100 billion in green finance by 2028.
The scale and pace of Africa’s renewable energy development is being driven by a combination of policy alignment, declining technology costs, growing investor demand and the need to address climate risk while expanding energy access. Green energy development represents a complex balancing act between decarbonisation, economic growth and social inclusion.
Boitumelo Sethlatswe, Standard Bank Head of Sustainability says: “The shift we are seeing reflects a structural change in how energy systems are being built across the continent. Renewables are no longer a marginal addition; they are becoming critical to capacity. Importantly, this transition is not only about reducing emissions, but about expanding access to affordable, reliable energy in a way that supports inclusive growth. Our focus is on ensuring that as we scale renewable energy, we also create jobs, support communities and build resilient economies that can withstand future climate and economic shocks”
A just transition in Africa means recognising development realities while accelerating sustainable solutions.
