Some facts about electrification in Africa

By Mary Alorh

The global fight against poverty and energy challenges heavily depends on progress within Africa.

Currently, approximately 600 million people in Africa lack access to electricity, representing about 83 percent of the global electricity access deficit. With a population of 1.532 billion – roughly 18.3 percent of the world’s total – Africa is the second-most populous continent, with a population density of 51 people per square kilometer.

The median age is 19.2 years, and 44.5 percent of the population resides in urban areas.

Expanding energy access in Africa is a critical priority. Reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy is essential for economic growth and development across the continent.

However, the sub-Saharan region accounts for the majority of those without electricity.

Mauritius stands out as a success story, with nearly 100 percent of its population having access to electricity. In contrast, many African households face significant barriers to electrification due to two primary factors:

1. High Connection Fees: Many households cannot afford the upfront costs of connecting to electricity grids.
2. High Electricity Costs: Factors such as reliance on fossil fuels and outdated infrastructure contribute to elevated electricity prices. For instance, Cabo Verde recently recorded the highest household electricity prices in Africa.

To address these challenges, initiatives like Mission 300, led by the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and other international partners, aim to connect 300 million people to electricity by 2030. This ambitious project seeks to accelerate electrification across sub-Saharan Africa, unlocking the region’s economic potential and fostering long-term prosperity.

Enhanced access to affordable and renewable energy will strengthen small and medium enterprises – the backbone of Africa’s economic development – while reducing poverty and hunger. Achieving universal access to reliable and sustainable power is not only vital for the electrification agenda but also for Africa’s broader industrialization and development goals.

Mary Alorh is Director of Administration at DefSEC Analytics Africa Ltd., and is an expert in Gender, Youth, and Peace & Security initiatives in West Africa.