Dilinna Lucy Nwobi, Precious Muhammed Emmanuel, Desalegn Yayeh Ayal, Ulisses M. Azeiteiro, Henri-Count Evans, Inga Grinfelde, José Baltazar Salgueirinho Osório de Andrade Guerra, Jasenka Gajdoš Kljusurić, João Carlos Correia Leitão, Chunlan Li, Newton R. Matandirotya, Bethwel Mutai, Gustavo J. Nagy, Thierry Razanakoto, Jame Schaefer, Goran Trbic, Roberto Ariel Abeldaño Zuñiga, Sane Pashane Zuka, Charles Galdies, Adriana Consorte-McCrea, Francisco Platas, Mittul Vahanvati, Pedi Obani, Safwatun Nida, Lucas Gabriel Zanon, Mayara Régia Sousa de Melo, Alison Glover, Roman Vakulchuk
This book chapter presents the results of a systematic review that explored the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in promoting access to clean energy in Africa from previous studies. Drawing insights from high-quality studies, the research provides a comprehensive overview of AI’s multifaceted impact on energy access across the continent. It connects to this book collection by examining how AI, a cutting-edge technological field often researched within universities, can be leveraged to enhance clean energy access in Africa. This aligns with the book’s focus on climate change solutions, as promoting clean energy is a critical component of global efforts to mitigate climate change. The investigation covered critical dimensions: AI technologies, such as smart grids, digitalization, machine learning algorithms, blockchain, and smart metering, played a substantial role in enhancing energy access. They facilitated energy decentralization, improved energy resource management, and contributed to cleaner and more reliable energy access. Despite these benefits, the study identified challenges in adopting AI in African countries, including financial constraints, policy limitations, technical complexities, and data management issues. These obstacles require supportive policy frameworks, capacity-building initiatives, and innovative financing mechanisms. The research also emphasized the significant environmental implications of AI-driven clean energy initiatives in Africa, showcasing how AI technologies can optimize energy consumption and promote renewable energy sources. The chapter contributes to the discourse by highlighting AI’s potential in transforming energy systems, a key area of interest for educational and research initiatives on climate change. The findings contribute to the academic discourse, providing actionable insights for stakeholders. They underscore the transformative potential of AI technologies in addressing energy access challenges on the continent and signify a major advancement on the journey toward energy justice for a brighter and cleaner energy future in Africa. © Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026.
Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Eswatini, Manzini, Kwaluseni Campus, Matsapha, South Africa; Institute of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Engineering, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Jelgava, Latvia; Center for Sustainable Development (Greens), Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina (Unisul), Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil; School of Urban and Regional Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China; Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Centre, Beitbridge, Zimbabwe; Kgotso Development Trust, Beitbridge, Zimbabwe; Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay; CERED, University of Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar; Marquette University, Milwaukee, United States; University of Sierra Sur, Oaxaca, Mexico; University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Department of Land Economy, University of Malawi, The Polytechnic, Blantyre 3, Malawi; Institute of Earth Systems, University of Malta, Msida, Malta; Academy for Sustainable Futures, Canterbury Christ Church University, Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom; Casa de Cultura de la UAEMéx en Tlalpan, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico; School of Global, Urban and Social Studies, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; University of Bradford, Bradford, United Kingdom; Science Education Department of Universitas Negeri Malang, Malang, Indonesia; University of São Paulo, São Carlos, Brazil; State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil; The Open University, Cardiff, United Kingdom; Norwegian Institute of International Affairs, Oslo, Norway; Department of Minerals, Petroleum Energy Economics and Law (DMPEEL), University of Ibadan, Oyo, Ibadan, Nigeria; Centre for Petroleum, Energy Economics and Law (CPEEL), University of Ibadan, Oyo, Ibadan, Nigeria; Center for Food Security Studies, College of Development Studies, Addis Ababa Univesity, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; The Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
