How investing in solar power for African schools would effectively change the world
As Africa is set to educate the majority of the world’s future workforce, enhancing education by providing electricity to more schools, installing lighting, and offering cooked school meals could be a transformative boost for the global economy and society.
A new research paper highlights the transformative potential of solar power in electrifying off-grid schools across Africa. Researchers calculate that a €2 billion up-front investment would improve children’s education, boost economic development, and reduce CO2 emissions. As the continent will make up most of the earth’s working population of the 21st century, enhancing education at this scale could significantly impact the world’s economy and society.
A brighter future with solar power
Co-authored by Professor Benjamin Sovacool, the study has developed a comprehensive geospatial database. This first-of-its-kind database maps over 500,000 schools across Africa, providing detailed insights into the capacities and costs required to meet their electricity needs using solar systems.
The cost of electrifying schools
The research estimates that an upfront investment of €2 billion in decentralised solar photovoltaic systems could revolutionise education in Africa. Currently, 32% of primary and nearly 50% of secondary schools operate off the grid, creating significant barriers to quality education and socio-economic progress.
Far-reaching impacts
By adopting solar electricity, schools can improve learning outcomes, foster economic growth, and significantly reduce CO2 emissions. According to the research, it would save students up to six hours on foot or 45 minutes by motorised transport. Reliable electricity would also enable electric cooking, supporting school meal programmes and addressing hunger and malnutrition, further boosting attendance and academic performance.
Empowering communities
Improving infrastructure for the young and mobile population would also have indirect societal impacts, including mitigating rural-to-urban migration. This, in turn, stimulates economic development, leading to higher household incomes, better skills, and increased access to electricity at the community level. Additionally, electrifying schools can empower girls by saving time previously spent on tasks like collecting wood and preparing food, ultimately contributing to gender equality and economic advancement.
The research was conducted by European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC), the Kids Research Institute, United Nations Children’s Fund, International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Bennett Institute for Innovation and Policy Acceleration at the University of Sussex, and the University of South Africa.
Authors
Magda Moner-Girona, Fernando Fahl, Georgia Kakoulaki, Do-Hyung Kim, Iyke Maduako, Sandor Szabo, Godwell Nhamo, Benjamin K. Sovacool, and Daniel J. Weiss.