Empowering Communities

Communities across the continent are demanding a people-centered energy transition over extractive industries. REPower Afrika is a continental movement driving decentralized renewable energy to put power back into local hands.

Join the movement
Activist wearing a "POWER AFRIKA" t-shirt talks to a community in an African village.

Across Africa, our communities are standing at a critical juncture. For too long, extractive fossil fuel projects - from the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) and Mozambique’s LNG gas expansions to oil exploration in Virunga have threatened our lands, locked our nations into crippling debt, and fueled the climate crisis.

It is time to change the narrative.

Launched on July 18, 2024 by 350Africa.org, REPower Afrika is a movement, an organizing platform, and a fighting banner for energy democracy. We are bridging the gap between resistance and solution, connecting the fight against fossil fuel carbon bombs with a practical, community-first vision for decentralized renewable energy (DRE).

From our pilot campaigns in Uganda and Tanzania to frontline groups resisting extraction across the continent, REPower Afrika unites local communities, faith leaders, grassroots organizers, and civil society under a shared truth: the power to shape our energy future belongs in the hands of the people.

Portrait of a young activist holding a Repower Afrika sign.

17 out of 20
countries
most threatened by
the climate crisis
are in Africa.

Uganda Afrika Vuka day action 2025 REPower action for Afrika Vuka day 2025 Community visit in Tanga, Tanzania Community members of Uganda
GIFSEP Nigeria action for Afrika Vuka day 2025 REPower launch in Tanzania, 2026 Community dialogue on energy access in Uganda REPower launch in Uganda, 2026

What people are saying

Portrait of Rukiya Khamis smiling.

Rukiya Khamis, East Africa Programme Manager at 350.org

Over the past two years, REPower Afrika has proven that the solution to energy poverty and climate breakdown isn't more fossil fuels - it is decentralised, community-owned renewable energy. From the frontlines of the fossil fuel pipelines to grassroots movements across the continent, African communities are not waiting for permission to build their clean energy future. They are taking action today, and it’s time for global leaders to back them with direct, equitable climate finance. Seventeen of the twenty most climate-vulnerable countries are in Africa, yet our communities continue to be targeted for destructive fossil fuel expansion. Through REPower Afrika, we’ve demonstrated that power belongs in the hands of the people. By scaling up solar microgrids and building local capacity, we are proving that a just transition is not a distant promise - it’s already happening on the ground.

Profile picture Edwin Mumbere

Edwin Mumbere, Director at Centre for Citizens Conserving Environment

Uganda faces a significant energy access challenge which hinders economic development and negatively impacts the quality of life for many Ugandans. The high upfront costs, limited financing options, policy and regulatory barriers, and competition from other energy sources are major obstacles to improving electrification rates. To address these challenges, REPower Afrika advocates for off-grid solutions like solar home systems and mini-grids and supports innovative financing models. Additionally, policy reforms and community engagement are crucial for creating a supportive environment for private sector investment and ensuring the long-term sustainability of solar projects. REPower Afrika is empowering communities to own and have a voice in the demand for a just transition to a community-centered renewable energy system.

Landry

Landry Ninteretse, Africa Regional Director at 350.org (2017–2025)

REPower Afrika marks the beginning of a transformative journey where communities at the frontline of the climate crisis take the lead in demanding accessible, affordable, and safe energy for all while creating millions of green jobs. Africa’s wealth of renewable energy potential presents a great opportunity for the continent to not only address its own energy needs but also potentially lead the global energy transition. By working together with governments, civil society, and community leaders, we can create a supportive environment for community-centered renewable energy solutions, avert climate disaster, and ensure a sustainable future for all. This is the time for Africa and the Global South to replace the obsolete energy model and fuel a development powered by renewables.

Rehema Peters headshot

Rehema Peters, Founder of Partnership for Green Future

We are witnessing firsthand the devastating impacts of climate change across Tanzania and Africa. From deadly floods and erratic rainfall to prolonged droughts devastating crops and livelihoods, the toll on our communities is profound. Despite global agreements like the Paris Agreement, there's a glaring gap between promises made and the real-life struggles of those most affected. Climate funding often misses the mark, neglecting projects that could directly benefit vulnerable communities. It's time for actionable policies that prioritize clean energy solutions, including tax incentives and local manufacturing of renewable technologies, to secure a sustainable future for Tanzania.

Resources

2024-2026 Progress report

Two Years of REPower: See how far we’ve come

Over the last two years, REPower has achieved incredible growth, and we couldn't have done it without our community. Here is a comprehensive report detailing our key achievements and future vision. Take a look at the progress we've built together!

Portrait of a woman holding a REPower Afrika.

The REPower Afrika Creator Kit: Turn your phone into a movement tool

Your voice can power Africa’s clean energy transition! All you need is a smartphone, a story, and a passion for change. Help us show decision-makers that the future is community-led. Download our quick creator guide to start filming today!

Wind turbine at sunset

Renewable Energy Report

This report outlines the current state of renewable energy in Africa. It highlights the great opportunity for Africa in renewable energy, as well as warning against potential pitfalls for the very communities that stand to be empowered.

Blogs

REPower Muhinga

Under the Oranges Trees in Mihanga

Marking two years of impact, REPower Afrika gathered in Mihanga Village, Tanzania, to highlight a critical reality: how energy poverty holds back the true potential of rural agriculture.

REPower Kyakaboga

Powering Kyakaboga: Two Years of REPowerAfrika

On its second anniversary, the REPower Campaign highlighted conditions in Kyakaboga, Uganda, where communities displaced by major fossil fuel developments continue to endure severe energy poverty.