Close-up of coal rocks at a mining operation, highlighting the extraction process in Tanzania.
Africa’s coal reserves remain key to its energy future even as global energy trends shift toward renewables. For one, coal is relatively inexpensive when compared to renewable energy. It is also easily accessible, with many countries on the continent possessing significant coal reserves. South Africa, Botswana, Tanzania, Mozambique, and Nigeria have the continent’s largest coal reserves. Additionally, countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Uganda hold significant reserves. South Africa leads the continent in production and consumption, with over 70% of its electricity coming from coal. Given these factors, coal offers an avenue for African countries to power industries and generate electricity. Despite this, the continent faces challenges in exploiting its coal reserves, as global climate goals push for a swift transition away from fossil fuels.