On 5 October, the world celebrates Energy Efficiency Day. This is a significant day in light of the global target to reach climate neutrality by 2050. In fact, according to the International Energy Agency’s Net Zero by 2050 report, the average rate of energy efficiency improvements this decade need to reach around three times the average of the previous two in order to stay on course — an effort that can only be done by massively scaling up energy efficient solutions.

This ambition sits at the heart of Innovation: Africa (iA), a non-profit organisation that has to date brought electricity and water to over 700 rural villages across ten African countries, impacting the lives of almost 4 million people.

Reaping the benefits of the water-energy nexus

The water-energy nexus is the inextricable link between generating energy and water. Water stress has always been a challenge, but as the earth gets hotter, hungrier and more crowded, the collective demand for water has reached a crisis point.

Access to clean and safe drinking water is a fundamental human right recognised under the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Yet one in three Africans face water scarcity and approximately 400 million people in sub-Saharan Africa lack access to clean drinking water.

But there is an immediate answer to Africa’s water and energy crisis that will result in the protection of the environment.

Solar power

Solar-powered pumps offer an effective and long-term way for communities to access clean and safe water affordably, and are becoming a critical component within the water-energy nexus.

Since 2010, the price of solar power has decreased by 89%, making it the most affordable form of energy in history. Innovation: Africa’s solar powered water pumps and energy boxes can deliver sustainably and lifesaving access to electricity and clean water to millions of Africans, at a cost-effective rate. The organisation also provides employment to African engineers and project managers who oversee these installations.

“We have seen first-hand through our extensive work across Africa, the impact that access to solar energy can have on communities, and how innovative technology can empower growth and change lives. The technologies exist, and are environmentally friendly and affordable. The time is now for African leaders to reimagine their energy policies and commit to bringing solar power to rural communities to support the culture of innovation that forms such a dominant part of life in Africa,” says Sivan Ya’ari, CEO of Innovation: Africa.

How IA is Empowering Energy Independence in Africa

Through its various projects, iA is enabling renewable energy awareness, and access.

In rural schools, for instance, iA is using its solar power solutions to bring light to classrooms and teachers’ homes, as well as powering computers for the first time. In medical centers, iA is also providing light, solar-powered refrigeration, as well as providing beds, and essential medical equipment.

The critical role iA plays in helping with business growth and profitability

Agriculture accounts for 14% of the total GDP in sub-Saharan Africa, as well as the majority of employment for the continent’s population. Due to increasing water scarcity, Africa simply does not have the energy required to reach its full agricultural potential. This could be immediately addressed with solar solutions: Solar-powered micro-irrigation is increasing farm-level incomes by up to 10 times, improving yields by up to 300%, and reducing water usage by up to 90%. This has incredible economic impact for farming communities.

How iA is empowering communities through increased knowledge and skills

Central to iA’s empowerment strategy is the empowerment of others. Not only empowering the communities provided with light and/or water, but also local engineers. iA currently has over 80 full-time hydrogeologists, civil, water and electrical engineers as well as field officers and country managers.

“By developing our local teams’ knowledge and expertise, we are able to ensure the successful implementation of our solar and water projects. This ensures long-term sustainability so that we can confidently trust that our experts on the ground will be able to address any maintenance or system repairs that may be required,” says Yaari.

“There is no doubt that the more we can educate and promote independence and empowerment through facilitating development, the more these future leaders will be able to flourish and in turn, become the change-makers that propel Africa forward.”