Least Coal-Rich African Nations: The 2025 Countdown

Across the vast expanse of Africa, the energy landscape presents a complex tapestry woven from the rich geological diversity found on the continent. In this intricate picture, coal has historically played a pivotal role, particularly within southern regions. As a fundamental resource, coal has powered industries and fueled electricity generation, serving as a cornerstone for numerous national economies. It’s hard to envision the bustling cities, both small and large, and the energetic industries thriving, without the essential black rock providing the necessary energy. But we must ask ourselves: what does the future hold for coal amid the rising tide of cleaner energy alternatives?

The global community is uniting in a concerted effort to transition toward sustainable energy sources, raising critical questions about the role of coal in Africa’s future. Despite the push towards renewable technologies, certain African nations continue to harness the power of coal with both domestic applications and international exports. Yet, a contrasting reality exists for others, particularly those with significantly limited coal reserves, or even none at all.

To illustrate this disparity, let’s take a closer look at some specific examples. The Central African Republic (CAR) holds the unfortunate title of possessing the lowest coal reserves on the continent, with a mere 3 million cubic meters. Comparatively, this figure is minuscule—almost astonishingly so—when stacked against coal giants like South Africa, which boasts extensive reserves. While the CAR is faced with challenges in energizing its infrastructure, it’s not all doom and gloom. This scarcity positions the country uniquely; less reliance on coal could mean a swifter uptake of renewable energy sources, allowing for a more sustainable future.

Further north, we find Niger, with its 90 million cubic meters of coal reserves, and Morocco, a country that stands out as a beacon of innovation in solar and wind energy, trailing closely behind with 96 million cubic meters. These figures not only highlight the geological diversity across the continent but also reflect the varying levels of dependency on fossil fuels. Countries with limited coal reserves are in an interesting position. With fewer coal resources to phase out, they have the potential to leapfrog directly into renewables. What might the African energy landscape look like if these nations embrace this opportunity? Can they become the leaders in the renewable revolution, perhaps paving the way for others to follow?

This consideration leads us to ponder the broader implications of coal dependence. Nations like Madagascar, with 150 million cubic meters, and Egypt, boasting 182 million cubic meters, embody a different narrative, continuing to leverage their coal resources while also exploring renewable energy avenues. It’s a balancing act, one that requires careful navigation to avoid the pitfalls of climate change while still meeting energy demands and fostering economic growth. Similarly, we must reflect on the wisdom of the words of American environmentalist Robert Swan: “The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.” Each country, regardless of its coal reserves, plays a part in this global transition.

Among the African nations with the lowest coal reserves as of 2025, we present the following:

As we move forward in this dynamic and rapidly evolving energy sector, let’s celebrate the potential of African nations to embrace cleaner energies while challenging ourselves to reflect on our own relationships with fossil fuels. What does our future energy use say about us? How can we rewrite the narrative of our dependence on carbon-intensive resources? As we ponder these questions, it becomes clear that bold action and innovative thinking are required for a sustainable future. If we learn from one another and work collaboratively, there is no limit to what we can achieve.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.