Tansian University Journal of Arts, Management & Social Sciences

Energy entrepreneurship which denotes the innovative pursuit of business opportunities within the energy sector, is gaining a wide popularity in both academic and policy discussions. In Sub-Saharan Africa, this concept is particularly inspiring as entrepreneurial ventures increasingly aim to address the region's chronic energy deficits. Despite the proliferation of off-grid solar solutions and clean energy start-ups, over 600 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa still lack access to electricity, pointing at a persistent dilemma, which is the coexistence of entrepreneurial innovation and enduring energy poverty. This critical review examined the landscape of energy entrepreneurship in Sub-Saharan Africa, analysing its potential to alleviate energy poverty and the systemic challenges that impede its scalability and impact. The study explored the dynamics of energy-focused enterprises, including their business models, funding mechanisms, and socio-economic impacts. It also scrutinised structural barriers such as inadequate infrastructure, regulatory constraints, and limited access to capital that hinder the growth of energy ventures across SSA. The findings revealed that while energy entrepreneurship holds promise for enhancing energy access and stimulating economic development, its effectiveness is curtailed by systemic issues that require comprehensive policy interventions. The study concluded by advocating for integrated strategies that combine entrepreneurial initiatives with supportive policies, infrastructure development, and inclusive financing to resolve the energy dilemma in Sub-Saharan Africa

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