Green Energy Solutions in Africa: Rediscovering Indigenous Knowledge for the Fourth Industrial Revolution

2. The Importance Of Decolonising The Energy Sector

In the pre-colonial era, Africa's rich tapestry of IK systems in energy production thrived, providing sustainable solutions that catered to the diverse needs of local communities (Showers, 2014). Traditional practices, often rooted in harmony with nature, allowed for the generation of energy sufficient for the continent's requirements (Showers, 2014). However, the exploitative nature of colonialism disrupted and dismantled these indigenous systems, replacing them with Eurocentric models that prioritised the interests of European powers and neglected the unique needs of African societies (Alessandrini, 2017).

The imposition of centralised energy grids during colonial rule exemplified this disregard for Africa's IK. These grids failed to consider the intricacies of local communities, resulting in a widespread lack of access to electricity across the continent (Touray & Subramanian, 2019). Furthermore, the suppression of IK during this period contributed to the marginalisation of local communities in energy decision-making processes (Omoju & Faloye, 2018). Therefore, the imperative to decolonise and indigenise Africa's energy sector is underscored by the need to revive and harness the wealth of traditional knowledge that was disrupted by colonial forces. Kinyua et al. (2020) argue that decolonisation involves dismantling colonial power structures, recognising the inherent value of IK, and indigenisation promotes local ownership and control of energy resources. This dual approach aims to rectify the historical injustices imposed by colonialism and pave the way for a more sustainable and equitable energy future for Africa.