On 12 September 2024, Africa Renewal published an opinion piece by Mark Akrofi (Postdoctoral Fellow, UNU-IAS) discussing progress on SDG 7 (clean and affordable energy) in developing nations. Africa Renewal is a United Nations digital magazine that covers economic, social and political developments in Africa.
Drawing from the 2024 Sustainable Development Report, the piece argues that despite some progress, the pace of renewable energy adoption in developing countries is insufficient to meet the 2030 targets, and universal access to clean and affordable energy should remain a global priority.
Excerpt:
While the journey towards achieving SDG 7 is fraught with challenges, particularly for developing countries, it is an enormous opportunity that can be harnessed to accelerate progress on other crucial priorities such as employment, access to education, and healthcare. The 2024 Sustainable Development Report makes it clear that without intensified efforts and enhanced international cooperation, many developing countries may fall short of the targets set for 2030. As the world grapples with climate change and sustainable development, ensuring universal access to clean and affordable energy must remain a global priority.