Email this article Africa's Path to Sustainability: Harnessing Technology, Policy, and Collaboration
Abstract
This paper explores the significant role of technological advancements, strategic policies, and collaborations in driving Africa towards a more sustainable future. It highlights how the continent's increasing adoption of innovative technologies, such as renewable energy solutions and digital infrastructure, coupled with well-crafted strategic policies and international collaborations, is transforming various sectors and fostering a sustainable future. These advancements have not only improved access to basic services like healthcare and education but have also created new opportunities for economic growth and job creation. The paper emphasizes the importance of ongoing collaborations between African countries and international partners in sharing knowledge, expertise, and resources to accelerate sustainable development efforts across the continent. The paper discusses different international organizations that have collaborated with and assisted Africa in the areas of technical innovation, finance, and knowledge exchange necessary to achieve a full-scale sustainable future. Despite their humanitarian efforts, Africa faces tremendous hurdles in attaining a sustainable future. These challenges range from a lack of access to technology and digital infrastructure in rural areas to difficulties in harnessing technological advancements due to infrastructure and connectivity constraints. These challenges have hindered Africa's ability to fully leverage the potential of technical innovation and digital solutions for a sustainable future. Limited financial resources and investment opportunities have further impeded progress in achieving the necessary infrastructure and connectivity upgrades. The continent is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, which further hinders its development progress. Therefore, it is crucial for ongoing collaborations between African countries and international partners to address these challenges collectively and work towards long-term solutions for a sustainable future in Africa.
Citation: Nwokolo, S., Eyime, E., Obiwulu, A., & Ogbulezie, J. (2024). Africa's Path to Sustainability: Harnessing Technology, Policy, and Collaboration. Trends in Renewable Energy, 10(1), 98-131. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.17737/tre.2024.10.1.00166
Keywords
Full Text:
FULL TEXT (PDF)References
Nwokolo, S. C., & Ogbulezie, J. C. (2018). A quantitative review and classification of empirical models for predicting global solar radiation in West Africa. Beni-Suef University Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 7(4), 367-396. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjbas.2017.05.001
Nwokolo, S. C., & Ogbulezie, J. C. (2018). A qualitative review of empirical models for estimating diffuse solar radiation from experimental data in Africa. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 92, 353-393. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2018.04.118
Nwokolo, S., & Otse, C. (2019). Impact of Sunshine Duration and Clearness Index on Diffuse Solar Radiation Estimation in Mountainous Climate. Trends in Renewable Energy, 5(3), 307-332. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.17737/tre.2019.5.3.00107
Ogbulezie, J., Ushie, O., & Nwokolo, S. (2017). A review of regression models employed for predicting diffuse solar radiation in North-Western Africa. Trends in Renewable Energy, 3(2), 160-206. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.17737/tre.2017.3.2.0042
Amadi, S., Dike, T., & Nwokolo, S. (2020). Global Solar Radiation Characteristics at Calabar and Port Harcourt Cities in Nigeria. Trends in Renewable Energy, 6(2), 111-130. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.17737/tre.2020.6.2.00114
Nwokolo, S., & Amadi, S. (2018). A Global Review of Empirical Models for Estimating Photosynthetically Active Radiation. Trends in Renewable Energy, 4(2), 236-327. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.17737/tre.2018.4.2.0079
Chukwujindu Nwokolo, S., Ogbulezie, J. C., & Umunnakwe Obiwulu, A. (2022). Impacts of climate change and meteo-solar parameters on photosynthetically active radiation prediction using hybrid machine learning with Physics-based models. Advances in Space Research, 70(11), 3614-3637. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asr.2022.08.010
Nwokolo, S., Eyime, E., Obiwulu, A., & Ogbulezie, J. (2023). Exploring Cutting-Edge Approaches to Reduce Africa's Carbon Footprint through Innovative Technology Dissemination. Trends in Renewable Energy, 10(1), 1-29. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.17737/tre.2024.10.1.00163
Nwokolo, S. C., Obiwulu, A. U., & Ogbulezie, J. C. (2023). Machine learning and analytical model hybridization to assess the impact of climate change on solar PV energy production. Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts A/B/C, 130, 103389. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pce.2023.103389
Nwokolo, S. C., Amadi, S. O., Obiwulu, A. U., Ogbulezie, J. C., & Eyibio, E. E. (2022). Prediction of global solar radiation potential for sustainable and cleaner energy generation using improved Angstrom-Prescott and Gumbel probabilistic models. Cleaner Engineering and Technology, 6, 100416. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clet.2022.100416
Nwokolo, S. C., Obiwulu, A. U., Ogbulezie, J. C., & Amadi, S. O. (2022). Hybridization of statistical machine learning and numerical models for improving beam, diffuse and global solar radiation prediction. Cleaner Engineering and Technology, 9, 100529. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clet.2022.100529
Agbor, M., Udo, S., Ewona, I., Nwokolo, S., Ogbulezie, J., Amadi, S., & Billy, U. (2023). Effects of Angstrom-Prescott and Hargreaves-Samani Coefficients on Climate Forcing and Solar PV Technology Selection in West Africa. Trends in Renewable Energy, 9(1), 78-106. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.17737/tre.2023.9.1.00150
Agbor, M. E., Udo, S. O., Ewona, I. O., Nwokolo, S. C., Ogbulezie, J. C., & Amadi, S. O. (2023). Potential impacts of climate change on global solar radiation and PV output using the CMIP6 model in West Africa. Cleaner Engineering and Technology, 13, 100630. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clet.2023.100630
Nwokolo, S., Obiwulu, A., Amadi, S., & Ogbulezie, J. (2023). Assessing the Impact of Soiling, Tilt Angle, and Solar Radiation on the Performance of Solar PV Systems. Trends in Renewable Energy, 9(2), 120-136. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.17737/tre.2023.9.2.00156
Obiwulu, A. U., Erusiafe, N., Olopade, M. A., & Nwokolo, S. C. (2020). Modeling and optimization of back temperature models of mono-crystalline silicon modules with special focus on the effect of meteorological and geographical parameters on PV performance. Renewable Energy, 154, 404-431. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2020.02.103
Obiwulu, A. U., Chendo, M. A. C., Erusiafe, N., & Nwokolo, S. C. (2020). Implicit meteorological parameter-based empirical models for estimating back temperature solar modules under varying tilt-angles in Lagos, Nigeria. Renewable Energy, 145, 442-457. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2019.05.136
Obiwulu, A. U., Erusiafe, N., Olopade, M. A., & Nwokolo, S. C. (2022). Modeling and estimation of the optimal tilt angle, maximum incident solar radiation, and global radiation index of the photovoltaic system. Heliyon, 8(6), e09598. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09598
Ituen, E. E., Esen, N. U., Nwokolo, S. C., & Udo, E. G. (2012). Prediction of Global Solar Radiation Using Relative Humidity, Maximum Temperature and Sunshine Hours in Uyo, in the Niger Delta Region, Nigeria. Adv. Appl. Sci. Res., 3, 1923–1937.
Samuel Chukwujindu, N. (2017). A comprehensive review of empirical models for estimating global solar radiation in Africa. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 78, 955-995. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2017.04.101
Nwokolo, S. C., Ogbulezie, J. C., & Ushie, O. J. (2023). A multi-model ensemble-based CMIP6 assessment of future solar radiation and PV potential under various climate warming scenarios. Optik, 285, 170956. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijleo.2023.170956
Hassan, M. A., Bailek, N., Bouchouicha, K., & Nwokolo, S. C. (2021). Ultra-short-term exogenous forecasting of photovoltaic power production using genetically optimized non-linear auto-regressive recurrent neural networks. Renewable Energy, 171, 191-209. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2021.02.103
Hassan, M. A., Bailek, N., Bouchouicha, K., Ibrahim, A., Jamil, B., Kuriqi, A., Nwokolo, S. C., & El-kenawy, E.-S. M. (2022). Evaluation of energy extraction of PV systems affected by environmental factors under real outdoor conditions. Theoretical and Applied Climatology, 150(1), 715-729. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00704-022-04166-6
Wani, M. A., Din, A., Nazki, I. T., Rehman, T. U., Al-Khayri, J. M., Jain, S. M., Lone, R. A., Bhat, Z. A., & Mushtaq, M. (2023). Navigating the future: exploring technological advancements and emerging trends in the sustainable ornamental industry. 11. doi: https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2023.1188643
Calzada, I. (2023). Smart Rural Communities: Action Research in Colombia and Mozambique. Sustainability, 15(12), 9521. doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/su15129521
Balasundram, S. K., Shamshiri, R. R., Sridhara, S., & Rizan, N. (2023). The Role of Digital Agriculture in Mitigating Climate Change and Ensuring Food Security: An Overview. Sustainability, 15(6), 5325. doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/su15065325.
Gómez-Carmona, O., Buján-Carballal, D., Casado-Mansilla, D., López-de-Ipiña, D., Cano-Benito, J., Cimmino, A., Poveda-Villalón, M., García-Castro, R., Almela-Miralles, J., Apostolidis, D., Drosou, A., Tzovaras, D., Wagner, M., Guadalupe-Rodriguez, M., Salinas, D., Esteller, D., Riera-Rovira, M., González, A., Clavijo-Ágreda, J., Díez-Frias, A., Bocanegra-Yáñez, M. d. C., Pedro-Henriques, R., Ferreira-Nunes, E., Lux, M., & Bujalkova, N. (2023). Mind the gap: The AURORAL ecosystem for the digital transformation of smart communities and rural areas. Technology in Society, 74, 102304. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techsoc.2023.102304
Huang, W., Ding, S., Song, X., Gao, S., & Liu, Y. (2023). A study on the long-term effects and mechanisms of internet information behavior on poverty alleviation among smallholder farmers: Evidence from China. Heliyon, 9(9), e19174. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19174
Hou, L., Tian, C., Xiang, R., Wang, C., & Gai, M. (2023). Research on the Impact Mechanism and Spatial Spillover Effect of Digital Economy on Rural Revitalization: An Empirical Study Based on China’s Provinces. Sustainability, 15(15), 11607. doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/su151511607.
Nwokolo, S. C., Eyime E.E., Obiwulu, A.U., Ogbulezie, J.C. (2023). Exploring cutting-edge strategies for a swift transition to net-zero energy through renewable supply in Africa. Solar Compass, In press
Ajadi, T. O. (2023). Demand for University Education and Students’ Employment Prospects in Nigeria. Journal of Economics Education and Entrepreneurship, 4(1), 34-43. doi: https://doi.org/10.20527/jee.v4i1.6400
Ijiwole, A. A. (2019). Employment Generation and Poverty Alleviation in Nigeria: The Role of Social Entrepreneurship. Asian Journal of Education and Social Studies, 4(4), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.9734/ajess/2019/v4i430128
Nemet, G. F., Jakob, M., Steckel, J. C., & Edenhofer, O. (2017). Addressing policy credibility problems for low-carbon investment. Global Environmental Change, 42, 47-57. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2016.12.004.
Kerr, T. (2015). Good Fiscal Policy: Governments Using Carbon Pricing to Drive Low-Carbon Investment. 6(3), 308-311. doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/1758-5899.12265
Zhang, Q., Wang, Y., & Liu, L. (2023). Carbon Tax or Low-Carbon Subsidy? Carbon Reduction Policy Options under CCUS Investment. Sustainability, 15(6), 5301. doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/su15065301
Oyedepo, S. O. (2012). On energy for sustainable development in Nigeria. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 16(5), 2583-2598. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2012.02.010
Oyedepo, S. O. (2014). Towards achieving energy for sustainable development in Nigeria. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 34, 255-272. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2014.03.019
Baiyegunhi, L. J. S., & Hassan, M. B. (2014). Rural household fuel energy transition: Evidence from Giwa LGA Kaduna State, Nigeria. Energy for Sustainable Development, 20, 30-35. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esd.2014.02.003
Emodi, N. V., & Boo, K.-J. (2015). Sustainable energy development in Nigeria: Current status and policy options. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 51, 356-381. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2015.06.016
Elum, Z. A., & Momodu, A. S. (2017). Climate change mitigation and renewable energy for sustainable development in Nigeria: A discourse approach. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 76, 72-80. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2017.03.040
Mohammed, Y. S., Mustafa, M. W., Bashir, N., & Ibrahem, I. S. (2017). Existing and recommended renewable and sustainable energy development in Nigeria based on autonomous energy and microgrid technologies. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 75, 820-838. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2016.11.062
IMF / WORLD BANK MEETINGS: Africa Hit Hard. (2022). 59(10), 24059A-24063C. doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-6346.2022.10840.x
Adjei-Mantey, K., Matsumoto, K. i., Shigetomi, Y., Yamamoto, Y., & Nakayama, T. (2023). Factors affecting household air pollutants in West Africa: Evidence from Ghana and Nigeria. Energy for Sustainable Development, 76, 101288. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esd.2023.101288
Adenle, A. A., Manning, L., & Azadi, H. (2017). Agribusiness innovation: A pathway to sustainable economic growth in Africa. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 59, 88-104. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tifs.2016.11.008
Assan, N. (2023). Socio-cultural, economic, and environmental implications for innovation in sustainable food in Africa. 7. doi: https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2023.1192422.
Nduka, E. (2023). Reducing carbon footprint by replacing generators with solar PV systems: A contingent valuation study in Lagos, Nigeria. Environment and Development Economics, 28(4), 387-408. doi: https://doi.org/10.1017/s1355770x22000316
Babajide, A., & Brito, M. C. (2021). Solar PV systems to eliminate or reduce the use of diesel generators at no additional cost: A case study of Lagos, Nigeria. Renewable Energy, 172, 209-218. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2021.02.088
Oluseyi, P. O., Babatunde, O. M., & Babatunde, O. A. (2016). Assessment of energy consumption and carbon footprint from the hotel sector within Lagos, Nigeria. Energy and Buildings, 118, 106-113. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2016.02.046
Marcellus, I. O. (2009). Development Planning in Nigeria: Reflections on the National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (Needs) 2003-2007. Journal of Social Sciences, 20(3), 197-210. doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/09718923.2009.11892740
Andrew, K., Julio, R., & Sacha, W.-V. (2016). Robotics: Breakthrough Technologies, Innovation, Intellectual Property. Foresight and STI Governance, 10(Foresight and STI Governance), 7-27. doi: https://doi.org/10.17323/1995-459x.2016.2.7.27
Lee, C.-C., He, Z.-W., & Xiao, F. (2022). How does information and communication technology affect renewable energy technology innovation? International evidence. Renewable Energy, 200, 546-557. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2022.10.015
Busby, J. W. (2023). Interview with Christophe Hodder, the United Nations Climate Security and Environmental Advisor to Somalia, United Nations Environment Programme. Environment and Security, 1(1-2), 84-94. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/27538796231181962
Proutsos, N., Liakatas, A., Alexandris, S., Nwokolo, S. C., Solomou, A. D., & Amadi, S. O. (2023). Assessing the impact of atmospheric attributes on the effectiveness of solar irradiance for photosynthesis of urban vegetation in Attica, Greece. Theoretical and Applied Climatology, 0123456789. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00704-023-04700-0
Proutsos, N., Tigkas, D., Tsevreni, I., Alexandris, S. G., Solomou, A. D., Bourletsikas, A., Stefanidis, S., & Nwokolo, S. C. (2023). A Thorough Evaluation of 127 Potential Evapotranspiration Models in Two Mediterranean Urban Green Sites. Remote Sensing, 15(14), 1–41. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs15143680
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17737/tre.2024.10.1.00166
Refbacks
- There are currently no refbacks.
Copyright (c) 2024 Samuel Chukwujindu Nwokolo, Eyime Echeng Eyime, Anthony Umunnakwe Obiwulu, Julie C. Ogbulezie
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.Copyright @2014-2025 Trends in Renewable Energy (ISSN: 2376-2136, online ISSN: 2376-2144)