ABSTRACT
Many countries in sub-Saharan Africa, notably South Africa, Swaziland, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Madagascar, have had past experience working with sugarcane for both sugar and bioethanol production. The use of modern bioenergy, which constitutes a switch away from deforestation towards sustainable biomass sourcing, will not only address these inefficiencies and changes of fuel mixes but can play a significant role in addressing socio-economic challenges in sub-Saharan Africa. Africa, specifically southern Africa, is facing major challenges with poverty, food security, weak infrastructure and a fast-expanding population. Traditional biofuels, primarily firewood and charcoal, remain the main source of household energy, with detrimental environmental and health risks. At the same time, Africa has ample underutilised arable land that can provide both food and modern bioenergy. Furthermore, sensitive aspects such as land ownership, social development in local communities and actively replacing the inefficient use of firewood and charcoal with better bioenergy options.
