Research & Insights
Scientific and engineering research, modeling, energy data intelligence, and accessible insights that clarify Africa's energy-delivery challenges.
About Us
Africa Energy Information
Research Organization
About AEIRO
The Africa Energy Information Research Organization (AEIRO) is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit research organization dedicated to accelerating Africa's energy transformation through rigorous scientific and engineering research. We study the root causes of energy-delivery challenges using power-system analysis, engineering modeling, data science, geospatial analysis, capacity planning, energy economics, and other interdisciplinary research methods. Our goal is to turn complex energy-system problems into accurate, accessible, and actionable insights that strengthen decision-making and improve how energy infrastructure is planned, developed, and operated.
AEIRO works alongside governments, electric utilities, industry, academia, researchers, and communities to translate research into practical, lasting solutions. Through applied research, data development, engineering analysis, modeling, and collaborative partnerships, we seek to bridge the gap between scientific understanding and real-world implementation. Our vision is an Africa where abundant, reliable, and sustainable energy powers thriving economies, transforms communities, and unlocks limitless opportunity for generations to come.
The Why
Energy delivery, especially electricity, has been a problem that has plagued many African countries for decades, despite billions of dollars spent. When you ask the average person what the issues are, you get eloquent ideas, some of which are correct and some which may not be grounded in fact.
Africa Energy Information Research Organization (AEIRO) started from our founder’s belief that experienced engineers should leverage their expertise to make the world better. This is a pressing need that has been passed on, which we believe could be solved with the appropriate innovation that a correct understanding of the issues can spur.
Our focus will be on deep technical research into energy delivery, leveraging its vast network of experts, and will organize information in a way that is accessible for understanding the challenges.
Our Three Pillars of Impact
AEIRO's work connects rigorous research with real-world impact. We investigate Africa's energy-delivery challenges through scientific and engineering research, translate evidence into practical planning and decision-support tools, and build the local technical capacity needed to implement lasting solutions. Our approach moves systematically from understanding problems, to improving decisions, to enabling measurable impact.
Technical Advisory & Planning
Pro-bono utility support, strategic network planning, investment prioritization, and decision-support tools that turn evidence into better infrastructure choices.
Capacity Building & Project Support
Training, partnerships, utility capability development, demonstration projects, and hands-on assistance that build lasting local technical capacity.
Our Focus Areas
Slide 1 of 3: Electricity
Electricity
This is our initial primary focus
Renewable Energy
We are focused on its impact on electricity delivery
Oil and Gas
Primary focus on its impact on electricity delivery
Electricity
This is our initial primary focus
Renewable Energy
We are focused on its impact on electricity delivery
Oil and Gas
Primary focus on its impact on electricity delivery
Our Process
1
Research
Investigate Africa’s energy challenges and identify opportunities for improvement.
2
Organize Insights
Develop a trusted platform that provides clear, reliable information for policymakers, investors, and the public.
3
Pilot Solutions
Test innovative energy solutions on a small scale to evaluate their effectiveness.
4
Launch Ventures
Transform proven pilot projects into sustainable, market-ready innovations.
African Energy Landscape
Overview
Africa stands at a crossroads in its energy journey. With over 600 million people lacking access to electricity, and rising demand from urbanization and industrialization, the continent’s energy choices today will define its economic and social future. AERIO provides independent, data-driven insights into these dynamics.
Regional Dynamics
West Africa
- Nigeria and Ghana lead installed capacity, but grid reliability is a persistent challenge.
- ECOWAS pushing cross-border electricity trade through the West African Power Pool (WAPP).
East Africa
- Kenya is a global leader in geothermal (over 800 MW).
- Ethiopia investing heavily in hydro (GERD, 6 GW project).
North Africa
- Morocco among Africa’s solar leaders (Noor Ouarzazate, 580 MW CSP).
- Egypt pursuing massive gas and renewables expansion.
Southern Africa
- South Africa dominates capacity (over 50 GW), still coal-heavy but scaling solar & wind.
- Zambia and Mozambique rely on hydro exports.
Central Africa
- Rich in untapped hydro (e.g., Congo River — Grand Inga potential >40 GW).
- Low electrification rates despite abundant resources.
Key Statistics
- Installed Capacity: ~260 GW (2024 est.), less than India despite similar population size.
- Electric Access: 58% continent-wide average; below 20% in some rural regions.
- Energy Mix: Fossil fuels (natural gas, oil, coal): ~70%; Renewables (hydro, solar, wind, geothermal): ~30%.
- Investment Needs: ~$100 billion annually to meet SDG7 (universal access) by 2030.
Opportunities & Challenges
Opportunities:
- Abundant renewable potential (solar, hydro, wind, geothermal).
- Growing regional power pools and cross-border trade.
- Technology leapfrogging (off-grid solar, mini-grids).
Challenges:
- Grid reliability & underinvestment in transmission.
- Policy & regulatory uncertainty.
- Financing gaps: most African utilities are financially distressed.
- Climate vulnerability affecting hydro resources.
AERIO’s Role
- Data & Analytics: Independent, real-time insights on Africa’s power markets.
- Research Reports: Deep dives on investment, policy, and technology adoption.
- Advisory Support: Guidance for governments, investors, and utilities on best practices.
- Capacity Building: Equipping African stakeholders with tools to make informed decisions.
Data Hub
The AEIRO Data Hub is your one-stop platform for reliable, up-to-date energy insights across Africa. While this resource is still under development, it will soon host interactive datasets, visualizations, and research tools designed to empower policymakers, businesses, and communities.
Meet Our Team
Core Team
Advisers
Research & Projects
Project Lumina
This is our inaugural project that focuses on a major geographical area in Nigeria. With the goal of conducting comprehensive, in-depth research, including the creation of a representative model of existing infrastructure, and also utilizing system dynamics methodologies for synthesizing complexities associated with electricity delivery.
Project objectives:
- Transmission, Distribution and Generation
- Major Industries
- Major Residential Areas
- Identify microgrid and local generation
- Identify cost and expense patterns
Goal is that after this research, several actionable projects and improvement programs will be initiated or synthesized