This book providesinformation on the distribution of the available energy resources
throughoutthe continent and how it is linked to the development of individual states.Africa is
considered one of the poorest continents in the world mainly becauseits development has
historically depended on imported resources includingtechnical expertise. This view and its
associated resource management strategyare based on the perception that Africa lacks sufficient
energy resources todrive its development agenda. Analyses of individual countries' energy
potentials exploitation levels and distribution mechanisms are provided with a view
toidentifying additional factors that are stifling Africa's economic development.One critical
factor is the relationship between available energy resources andthe energy mixes chosen by
different states and how these can be exploited toproduce the right blend of energy for
various applications such as industrial transport domestic and recreational uses. The authors
provide an in-depthanalysis of the advantages and disadvantages of different energy sources
interms of their environmental industrialization and distribution costs impacts and the
development options best suited for improving Africa'seconomic situation. This analysis is
based on the assertion that Africa is indeedblessed with abundant energy resources which have
not been effectivelyexploited. The book not only reviews Africa's energy situation in general
but also reveals that while there are certainly circumstances peculiar to individual countries
the similarities especially within Sub-Saharan African countries outweigh the differences.
That being said the challenges and available opportunities in each country should be viewed
with due consideration given to the prevailing national resource management environment. Many
initiatives in Africa fail because of the many loopholes in the management structures which
allow corruption theft and mere selfishness to thrive. In addition to the negative impacts of
these factors on implementation activities there is also a general lack of institutional
support for initiatives that could otherwise be very progressive. Thus taken together these
retrogressive practices stifle African energy development plans. The book offers a valuable
guide for developers investors researchers and environmentalist providing in-depth insights
on the relationship between available energy resources and development trends in Africa.By
harnessing the wind and sun your vast geothermal energy and rivers for hydropower you can
turn this climate threat into an economic opportunity. US President Obama's address to the
African Union (2015)
