Coal has played a big role in Africa’s growth, especially in the southern part of the continent, where some of the world’s biggest coal deposits are found.
Even though many countries are now turning to cleaner energy, coal is still a major part of Africa’s energy supply, and that brings both benefits and challenges.
Coal in Africa Today
Africa has huge coal reserves, in the hundreds of billions of tons. South Africa leads the way, both in how much coal it has and how much it uses. In fact, over 70% of South Africa’s electricity comes from coal, thanks to its national energy provider, Eskom.
Other African countries like Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Nigeria also have large coal deposits. But many of these reserves haven’t been fully used yet. The reasons include poor infrastructure, not enough investment, and changing global energy trends.
Coal is still an affordable and accessible energy source for many African nations, especially in places that don’t yet have strong renewable energy systems. It can help power factories, light up homes, and support exports.
The Big Problem
But there’s a catch. The world is trying to cut back on coal to fight climate change. Many banks and global organizations are now refusing to fund new coal projects. Climate agreements like the Paris Agreement call for a fast move away from coal and other fossil fuels.
Environmental experts warn that if Africa keeps using more coal, it could increase pollution and hurt the environment. This could also affect people’s health and hold back efforts to create a cleaner, greener future.
Top 10 African Countries with the Most Coal in 2025
| Rank | Country | Coal Reserve | Global Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Africa | 9.89 billion cu.m | 12th |
| 2 | Nigeria | 2.14 billion cu.m | 32nd |
| 3 | Mozambique | 1.79 billion cu.m | 33rd |
| 4 | Botswana | 1.66 billion cu.m | 34th |
| 5 | Tanzania | 1.41 billion cu.m | 37th |
| 6 | Democratic Republic of Congo | 988 million cu.m | 44th |
| 7 | Zambia | 945 million cu.m | 45th |
| 8 | Uganda | 800 million cu.m | 48th |
| 9 | Zimbabwe | 502 million cu.m | 53rd |
| 10 | Namibia | 350 million cu.m | 56th |
In the end, Africa faces a big question: how can it use its coal resources to grow its economy without harming the planet? The choices made today will shape the continent’s energy future for years to come.