Title: Artificial Intelligence and Net Zero Pathways in Sub-Saharan Africa: Opportunities, Barriers, and Policy Implications for Clean Energy Transitions in Rural Communities
Authors: Ajagbe, C.A.¹ and Agbaje, F.O.²
Volume: 10
Issue: 8
Pages: 17-24
Publication Date: 2026/08/28
Abstract:
Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful force to drive decarbonisation in the global energy system, yet it remains largely underutilised in sub-Saharan Africa and continues to impact almost one billion people who are disproportionately affected by the climate crisis. This paper examines the implications of AI for cross-sectoral policy, for net zero, and for transition to clean energies in sub-Saharan Africa (rural communities in Nigeria). The study, which was conducted through a systematic review of recent literature and policy documents such as Nigeria's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 3.0 (September 2025) and the Energy Transition Plan (2022, updated 2024), identifies some of the transformative possibilities of AI technologies (machine learning, predictive analytics, smart grid optimisation, and geospatial AI for Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV)) and documents some of the structural barriers that are preventing these technologies from reaching rural communities where energy poverty is most acute. The paper also explores the importance of a community-level clean cooking transition for Nigeria's Net Zero by 2060 goal, using empirical field evidence from Oyo Town, Oyo State. Data scarcity, poor infrastructure, lack of a reliable electricity supply and poor governance are responsible for the increasing inequality between urban and rural areas, as highlighted in the key findings. Finally, the paper presents policy recommendations based on evidence for promoting inclusive AI use in the African clean energy transition, with a clear need to involve communities, build indigenous technology infrastructure, and establish international technology partnerships.