Solar Energy in East Africa – Opportunities, Challenges and the Impact of COVID-19

The outbreak of the novel corona virus disease has impacted renewable energy in Africa. Although much of the world is experiencing reduced energy demand due to on-going lockdown measures which has resulted in unstable oil prices, and traditional logic suggests that low oil prices can make renewable energy less competitive. However, African Governments and relevant stakeholders are recognising the important role renewable energy (and in particular solar energy) can play in fighting the pandemic and in assisting businesses to stay afloat following this disruption.