Regional heterogeneities in the absorptive capacity of renewable energy deployment in Africa

We critically evaluate the absorptive capacity of renewable energy deployment in Africa. Using data for the 1980-2017 period and dividing the 20 countries into West Africa and East Africa, we find significant regional heterogeneities in the absorptive capacity of renewable energy deployment. Specially, we show that West Africa has a stronger capacity to embrace the adaptation of renewable energy than East Africa. Moreover, we find that renewable energy deployment exhibits path dependency in both regions. In general, our findings suggest that there are significant potentials for both regions to benefit from renewable energy deployment. However, without the financial backing by policymakers, renewable energy deployment is likely to be delayed in implementation, exposing these regions to economic and environmental vulnerabilities in the long run.(c) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

We evaluate the absorptive capacity of renewable energy deployment in Africa and find significant regional heterogeneities between West Africa and East Africa. West Africa has a stronger capacity to embrace the adaptation of renewable energy, and renewable energy deployment exhibits path dependency in both regions. Our findings suggest significant potentials for both regions to benefit from renewable energy deployment, but without financial backing from policymakers, implementation is likely to be delayed, exposing these regions to long-term economic and environmental vulnerabilities.