Page 489 - 2016 - Vol. 40

African Stud. Rev. Vol. ( 40 ) ( 2016 ) : 1 - 24

Private Investment in Renewable Energy
Sector in Africa: An Economic Analysis

By
Walaa Mahrous(*)

Abstract
African countries still lack a huge amount of energy that

is necessary to increase economic growth, alleviate poverty,
and sustain economic development (energy insecurity). Public
investment in energy sector is still limited to supply household
and private sector with their energy needs. Only private
investment in renewable energy can play a major role in filling
this gap. By applying SWOT analysis, this study illustrates the
major threats and weaknesses (challenges) faced by the private
investment in renewable energy sector in Africa vis-à-vis the
main opportunities and strengths (benefits) these investments
can get. Finally, it ends with some suggested solutions that can
help at improving conditions of this vital sector and attracting
more private investments to it.

Key Words: Private Investment, Renewable Energy, SWOTAnalysis.

(*) Lecturer of Economics, Department of Economics and Political Science, Institute of
African Research and Studies, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt. E-mail: Walaa.mah-
rous@cu.edu.eg.

-1-