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The achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs) depends on the access of modern, sufficient, and efficient energy to all people. Currently, developing countries including sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are the most vulnerable to the environmental problems associated with the use of non-renewable energy. All countries are striving to develop and use sustainable renewable energy (RE) with zero, low, or neutral greenhouse gas emissions. However, there are a lot of challenges that hinder effective utilization of RE resources in SSA. Therefore, this paper attempts to explore RE potentials for sustainable development in sub-Saharan African countries and provides an in-depth discussion on the challenges facing the exploitation of renewable energy resources. Additionally, it examines ways forward to improve the situation. This study systematically reviews the RE and sustainable development sector in SSA based on the relevant studies published between 2012 and 2020. Relevant data and information from various bibliographic sources such as Web of Science were collected, selected, organized, analyzed, interpreted, and presented in themes, graphs, and tables. The study revealed that despite the abundance of RE resources such as hydropower, wind and solar energy, and bio and geothermal power in SSA, there are various drawbacks curtailing their exploitation. These include inadequate technical, financial, and human resources, weak institutional and regulatory frameworks, and sociopolitical barriers. Thus, the study recommends the strengthening of the institutional and regulatory framework, capacity building, and harmonization of financial resources and enhancement of security and political environments to attract investors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]