A Review of A Bioenergy Policy Implementation in Sub-Saharan Africa: Opportunities and Challenges- A Case of Nigeria, Ghana and Malawi

Abstract

In response to the global recognition of bioenergy as a significant source of renewable energy necessary for mitigating the global environmental challenge, the Governments of various African countries are starting to develop their economic and energy policies towards the adoption, development, production, and utilization of biomass for production of biofuel in some African communities. Although, Government’s role and policy have been identified as key factors for effective adoption of biomass energy, the implementation, its production, and utilization is not yet at fully blown stage in most countries of sub-Saharan African. Despite the challenges of non-competitive price of biofuel with fossil fuel and threat of electronic vehicle induced biofuel demand decrease, biofuel has potentials for alternative uses worthy of consideration in African countries. This paper reviews the current developments in adopting biofuel production and utilization in some sub-Saharan African countries, identifying the causes of being at the early stage, despite the enormous potential. This paper also recommends a strategy for achieving a relatively rapid outcome in bioenergy policy implementation in sub-Saharan African. Keywords— Bioenergy, biodiesel, biofuel, biomass, policy, Sub-Saharan African