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This open access book presents a picture of the current energy challenges on the African continent (and the Sub-Saharan region in particular) and proposes pathways to an accelerated energy transition. Starting with an analysis of the status quo and the outlook for Africa´s energy demand and energy access, it provides an account of the available resources, including hydrocarbons and renewable energy resources, which are playing an increasingly crucial role. It then moves on to analyze the level of investment required to scale-up Africa´s energy systems, shedding light on the key barriers and elaborating on potential solutions. It also provides a suggestion for improving the effectiveness of EU-Africa cooperation. While mainly intended for policymakers and academics, this book also speaks to a broader audience interested in gaining an overview of the challenges and opportunities of the African energy sector today and in the future.

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1.Introduction.- 2.The challenge of energy access in Africa.- 3.Hydrocarbons.- 4.Renewable energy.- 5.Energy investments.- 6.Conclusions

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Manfred Hafner is Coordinator of the "Energy: Scenarios and Policy" research programme at FEEM. He is also Professor of International Energy Studies, teaching at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS Europe) and at the Sciences Po Paris School of International Affairs (PSIA). He has 30 years´ experience in consulting governments and industry on international energy issues.

Simone Tagliapietra is a Senior Researcher in the "Energy: Scenarios and Policy" research programme at FEEM. He is also a Research Fellow at Bruegel, the economic think tank. Expert in international energy issues, he also conducted research at the Istanbul Policy Center at Sabanci University and at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe in Geneva. He obtained his PhD at the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan, where he currently teaches energy economics and policy.

Lucia de Strasser is a Researcher at FEEM, where she focuses on the energy transition in Sub-Saharan Africa. She has a specific interest in the links between energy policy and environmental management. As a Consultant for the Water Convention of the UN Economic Commission for Europe, she uses the water-energy-food nexus approach to improve cooperation in transboundary river basins.

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