Evolving dynamics of renewable energy governance and policy research in West Africa: A bibliometric review (2005–2025)

Abstract

Persistent energy poverty and governance challenges persist in constraining sustainable energy transitions in West Africa, despite the region's abundant renewable energy potential. This study conducted a bibliometric analysis of renewable energy governance research within the ECOWAS region from 2005 to 2025, using 594 Scopus-indexed documents screened through PRISMA protocols. Bibliometrix (R Studio) and VOSviewer were applied to analyse publication trends, collaboration networks, keyword co-occurrence, and thematic evolution. The results revealed an annual publication growth rate of 24.8%, increasing from fewer than 10 articles per year prior to 2010 to 84 publications by 2025. Nigeria (25.7%), Ghana (13.0%), and Senegal (1.6%) accounted for over 40% of total research output, supported by high international collaboration (38.22%), but with limited intra-ECOWAS research linkages. Thematic mapping identified five dominant research clusters: renewable energy technologies and governance frameworks, energy-environment-economy modelling, decarbonisation and planning tools, socio-institutional and gender dimensions, and energy efficiency and circular economy strategies. Emerging research frontiers included hybrid energy systems, green hydrogen, digitalisation, and gender-responsive governance. The novelty of this study lies in its systematic quantification of the intellectual structure, growth dynamics, and thematic evolution of renewable energy governance research in ECOWAS. The findings provide evidence-based insights to guide policymakers, researchers, and development partners in strengthening regional collaboration, aligning governance reforms with energy transition goals, and prioritising future research directions that integrate equity, resilience, and circularity into energy policy design.