Africa’s transition to renewable energy faces significant trade barriers, according to a United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) report. Despite falling global costs for solar and wind technologies, African countries continue to impose tariffs and regulatory hurdles that slow clean-energy expansion.

UNCTAD data shows that average import duties on solar and wind components in Africa stand at 7.1 percent, compared with 2.5 percent in Asia and below 2 percent in developed economies. When non-tariff measures are included, total trade costs rise to 7.6 percent. In some cases, duties on intermediate components reach 8.1 percent, more than double the levels seen in Asia and Oceania.

The report highlights that these barriers prevent African countries from participating fully in global clean‑tech value chains. Rather than assembling or manufacturing components locally, many nations rely on importing finished goods, limiting industrial opportunities.

UNCTAD recommends lowering tariffs on intermediate goods, reducing non-tariff trade costs, and leveraging regional cooperation to foster intra-African trade in renewable technologies. Without such reforms, the report warns, Africa risks stalling both climate and economic ambitions.