Biomass in Africa: A Transformational Lever Europe Has Every Interest in Supporting

Traditional biomass still accounts for nearly half of primary energy consumption in sub-Saharan Africa, rising to over 60% in certain subregions, according to the IEA (Africa Energy Outlook 2022). Far from being a static constraint, this reality provides the starting point for one of the most promising energy transitions of the century.

That is why, for several years, through research programs, bilateral funding, and partnerships with the African Union, European Union has supported the gradual structuring of modern bioenergy value chains across the continent—biogas, agricultural residue recovery, and decentralized power generation in rural areas. In September 2025, the European Commission reaffirmed this commitment with €545 million in funding dedicated to Africa’s energy transition.

A geopolitical context reinforcing the urgency to act

The international landscape calls for acceleration. Tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean, shifting global energy flows, and growing competition for African resources all underscore a central reality: energy is now at the heart of autonomy, for both African and European states.

In this context, African biomass is not a peripheral issue. It is a shared strategic resource. For African economies, it can drive local industrialization and job creation. For Europe, it represents a natural resource in the pursuit of energy autonomy and supply diversification.

Projects supported under Horizon Europe—including training platforms, technology transfer initiatives, and research partnerships with African universities—demonstrate that a balanced model of scientific and industrial cooperation is not only possible, but already underway.

Challenges remain—and solutions are within reach

The transition from traditional biomass to modern value chains requires infrastructure investment, enabling regulatory frameworks, and large-scale capacity building. Public-private partnerships, backed by international guarantees, have a critical role to play in this transformation.

Africa holds abundant resources—sweet sorghum, agro-industrial residues, and urban organic waste. Europe brings technological expertise and financial instruments. What this moment calls for is a shared commitment to co-develop sustainable, locally anchored value chains that deliver mutual benefits.

African biomass is not a challenge to be addressed from the outside. It is a shared opportunity—one that calls for partnership grounded in reciprocity, innovation and trust.