The African continent is rich in energy resources—oil, gas, sun and wind—yet hundreds of millions still live with little to no electricity. Why?

In this episode, we explore the roots of Africa’s energy crisis and the historical and ongoing power dynamics that keep the lights off for many. 

From Ghana’s return to dumsor (power cuts) to violent fossil fuel megaprojects in Uganda and Mozambique, we take a deep dive into energy injustice, corporate extraction, and the politics that keep power out of reach.

At the heart of it all is one big question: Who holds the energy cards—and how can Africa reclaim power for its people?

We hear from:

🔌 Dr. Rhodalyn Odoi, a doctor in Accra, Ghana, on how erratic power supply is threatening lives and crippling healthcare.

⚡ Jacobina Oduro, a young graduate in Ghana, on how daily power cuts shape education and civic life.

🌍 Dr. Olamide Samuel, energy and security expert unpacks the colonial roots of Africa’s energy challenges, the different forces at play, and how to respond.

🌊 Amina Adebisi Odofin, a researcher and activist who exposes the destructive energy models in Africa, the silent environmental and human rights crisis in the oil-rich Niger Delta and where responsibility for fixing energy injustice lies.

🛢️ Patience Nabukalu, Ugandan climate activist, on resisting oil fever and mega projects such as the East African Crude Oil Pipeline to secure a just and greener future 

🌱 Cynthia Moyo-Sibindi from Greenpeace Africa explores the potential—and pitfalls—of renewable energy projects on the continent.

We also spotlight local innovators leading energy transitions in their own communities, from kinetic energy solutions in Sierra Leone to rural electrification in Lesotho.

🔔 Subscribe now and join us every week as we bring you the stories that need to be heard—because when the media goes dark, Frontline Speaks.

🎧 A podcast by 1.2 Diaries, supported by the Africa-Europe Foundation’s Youth Awards. The show is executive produced by Jennifer Kwao and co-hosted with Krystel Sil Sikana. Our producer is Seden Anlar. Lydia Ayame Hiraide is our consulting writer and researcher. Our copy-editor is Serag Heiba.

Resources:

https://www.banktrack.org/download/locked_out_of_a_just_transition_fossil_fuel_financing_in_africa/07_md_banktrack_fossil_fuels_africa_rpt_hr_1.pdf 

https://apnews.com/article/electricity-africa-just-energy-transition-d20d1ba86e90c3b9c81f0fc76979acfc 

https://www.stopeacop.net/ 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13041554-to-cook-a-continent  

https://www.politico.eu/article/totalenergies-mozambique-patrick-pouyanne-atrocites-afungi-palma-cabo-delgado-al-shabab-isis/ 

https://www.iea.org/reports/electricity-2024/executive-summary 

https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/13/2/1074 

https://www.irena.org/News/pressreleases/2023/Jan/Renewables-Can-Provide-Nearly-60-Per-Cent-of-Nigerias-Energy-Demand-by-2050

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Erscheinungs­datum: 4.4.2025, 13:33:50