This high-level screening study, commissioned by the African Development Bank (AfDB) through its Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) funded Africa Hydropower Modernisation Programme (AHMP), presents the results of a 12-month continent-wide mapping of hydropower facilities eligible for modernisation carried out by the International Hydropower Association (IHA).

Regarding energy supply and global development, Africa is one of the continents that will face the most difficult challenges over the coming decades. African countries will need to progressively increase their domestic power supply to meet the demand for power required to develop their economy and provide electricity for millions of people to improve their living standards. In doing so, this energy transition will need to be done sustainably. Even though Africa currently is only responsible for 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, the worldwide challenge of mitigating climate change will impose limits on future emissions. Hydropower can offer a valuable contribution to ensuring that this twofold challenge is met in the most sustainable, economical, and secure way.

Report by African Development Bank