The Global South, comprising nations across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, has issued an urgent call for a more strategic and equitable transition to sustainable energy. This push comes in light of sobering global figures: only 17 percent of all Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) targets are on track.
Among these, SDG 7, which promises universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy by 2030, is severely off-course. Leaders warn that without deliberate support and restructured financing mechanisms, the Global South risks falling further behind. This group, home to 80 percent of the world’s population, seeks a global compact that prioritizes not just emissions reductions, but also justice, equity, and development through clean energy.
Why It Matters
The imbalance in energy access reveals a striking development gap. While the Global South harbors the majority of the planet’s population, it produces just 40 percent of global GDP. Millions still live without electricity, and energy poverty remains a daily reality, 666 million people lacked access to electricity as of 2023, with 85 percent of them residing in Sub-Saharan Africa. Furthermore, 2.1 billion people continue to rely on polluting fuels for cooking, leading to an estimated 3.2 million premature deaths annually from indoor air pollution.
Despite notable increases in renewable energy installations globally, the Global South receives less than 3 percent of global clean energy investment. This imbalance not only stalls development but also limits the ability of these countries to leapfrog to sustainable energy models that are now cheaper and more efficient than fossil-based systems.
What Leaders Are Calling For
1. Ensure Universal Energy Access
Policymakers across the Global South are emphasizing the urgent need to optimize the distribution of energy resources. Leaders like Baoan and Yin Bo stress the importance of expanding electricity infrastructure in underserved regions.
By increasing electrification in rural areas, these countries can reduce poverty, improve health outcomes, and create new economic opportunities. The call is not just for any power, but clean, affordable, and reliable electricity capable of supporting both households and businesses.
2. Catalyze Economic Growth
Access to energy is the foundation for industrialization. Leaders argue that a strategic rollout of clean electricity will stimulate inclusive economic growth across sectors, from agriculture to manufacturing to services.
Investments in solar farms, transmission lines, and battery storage are not just environmental imperatives; they are also smart economic development tools. Clean energy is increasingly seen as a driver of job creation, skills development, and regional trade.
3. Deepen South-South Cooperation
Another key theme emerging is the need for stronger South-South partnerships. Many leaders argue that the Global South can no longer afford to depend entirely on the Global North for technology transfers or finance. Instead, cross-regional collaboration between Asia, Africa, and Latin America can unlock shared solutions.
These include joint clean energy ventures, shared research and development platforms, and coordinated policy strategies tailored to the challenges and realities of developing economies.
Regional Energy & SDG Progress Breakdown
Africa
Africa is simultaneously the most energy-deprived continent and the most promising in terms of renewable potential. With 60 percent of global solar resources, the continent could become a clean energy superpower. Yet, over 600 million Africans still lack access to electricity.
The investment gap remains glaring, Africa received less than 3 percent of global clean energy finance in 2024 and only 2 percent of renewable investments over the last 20 years. A new initiative, Mission 300, aims to change this by providing clean energy to 300 million Africans by 2030 through collaboration between governments, development banks, and energy alliances like SEforALL.
West Asia & North Africa
The energy challenges in West Asia and North Africa mirror those in Sub-Saharan Africa but with some emerging success stories. Over 40 million people in the region are still without electricity, while 60 million rely on harmful cooking fuels.
However, projects in countries like Jordan, where two-thirds of new car sales are electric, and Morocco, which is building a $2 billion lithium plant, are setting a positive precedent. Dubai’s 5,000 MW solar megapark is also transforming the region’s clean energy footprint.
China’s Example
China’s clean energy leadership is being presented as a potential model for the Global South. With over 2,100 GW of clean energy capacity, renewables now account for 60 percent of China’s total power mix.
By integrating large-scale solar, wind, hydro, and grid innovations, China has not only decarbonized faster than most nations but also demonstrated that clean energy development can fuel national industrial strategy.
SDG 7: Alarming Status Check
The 2025 UN Energy Progress Report paints a worrying picture. While there has been marginal improvement in clean energy adoption, key indicators are far from target. Over 666 million people still live without electricity, and efforts to expand clean cooking access have stagnated.
The share of renewables in final energy consumption stands at just 28 percent, and energy efficiency gains remain sluggish. Despite some increases in public financing, rising to $21.6 billion in 2023, this is dwarfed by the $4.5 trillion annually needed to meet the SDG7 goal by 2030.
Structural Challenges
Several barriers stand in the way of progress. High capital costs plague many countries in the Global South, where risk premiums make clean energy projects financially unviable. This is compounded by political instability and weak institutional frameworks, which deter investors.
For example, South Africa’s slow transition away from coal is hindered by political interests protecting coal jobs and delayed reform planning. Another challenge lies in balancing quick wins from off-grid solutions with the long-term need for grid-scale, dispatchable energy that supports industries.
Justice-Centered Energy Transition
Experts argue that without embedding energy justice principles, including fair distribution, community participation, and recognition of vulnerable groups, transitions risk deepening social and environmental inequities.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, many clean energy projects have bypassed marginalized communities or failed to consider their cultural and economic realities. Justice-centered approaches prioritize inclusive planning and environmental safeguards, ensuring that the energy transition leaves no one behind.
Global Momentum & Financial Mechanisms
Despite these hurdles, momentum is building. UN Secretary-General António Guterres recently stated that fossil fuels are “running out of road” as clean energy becomes cheaper and more widespread. In 2024, $2 trillion was invested globally in renewables, surpassing fossil fuel investments by $800 billion. Clean energy accounted for 92.5 percent of new electricity capacity added in 2024.
At recent G20 summits, African nations lobbied for expanded debt relief and greater access to Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETPs), expressing frustration at shrinking climate aid, especially from major donors like the United States. COP29 outcomes also reflect the shift in tone, with developing nations demanding at least $1 trillion annually in climate finance, ten times the previous $100 billion pledge.
Roadmap to Accelerated Transition
Scale up Investment & Lower Barriers
Global institutions must scale concessional and blended finance for clean energy in the Global South. Reducing capital risk and transaction costs will help unlock billions in stalled renewable projects.
Strengthen Regional and South-South Collaboration
Building on China’s model, developing nations should form stronger alliances to share clean energy technologies, policy frameworks, and training programs through institutions like the International Solar Alliance.
Combine Off-Grid Access with Industrial Power
While solar home systems provide quick energy access to rural communities, there must also be investment in firm, dispatchable infrastructure, such as hydropower, geothermal, and grid-scale battery storage, that powers industries and boosts GDP.
Embed Energy Justice
Policymakers must ensure the transition is equitable by involving local communities, upholding human rights, and enforcing ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards in project execution.
Support National Reforms
Countries should adopt National Energy Compacts, streamline regulatory frameworks, and fast-track permitting to attract both domestic and foreign private investment.
