Advancing community engagement in South Africa

1 July 2026 – This paper explores how meaningful community engagement can act as a catalyst for renewable energy infrastructure expansion in Africa.

Advancing community engagement in Africa: Barrier or catalyst for renewable energy infrastructure expansion?

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This paper from the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) examines the governance challenges associated with the accelerated deployment of renewable energy projects in Africa. It explores how weak and inconsistent approaches to community engagement can create social, environmental and governance risks, including project delays, legal challenges, reputational exposure, financing uncertainty and the deepening of existing inequalities.

Drawing on the South African context, the paper highlights the importance of meaningful stakeholder engagement and benefit-sharing in renewable energy infrastructure development. It examines the intersection of land use, local livelihoods and social acceptance, showing how renewable energy expansion must be supported by transparent consultation, fair benefit-sharing arrangements and stronger environmental and human rights safeguards.

The paper argues that the G20 and African Union have an important role to play in advancing more coherent standards for due diligence across renewable energy supply chains. A common framework grounded in environmental protection, human rights and Free, Prior and Informed Consent can help reduce risk, build trust and support a more inclusive and scalable energy transition.

Key insights

• Community engagement is a delivery issue, not only a social safeguard.
• Weak consultation can contribute to project delays, litigation, reputational risk and investor uncertainty.
• Land use, livelihoods and benefit sharing sit at the centre of renewable energy expansion in Africa.
• South Africa’s experience offers practical lessons on social acceptance, land rights and renewable infrastructure development.
• G20-aligned due diligence standards can support clearer expectations for governments, investors and developers.

This work contributes to CISL Africa’s mission to support sustainable, inclusive and resilient markets by strengthening governance approaches that place communities at the heart of Africa’s energy transition.