Preamble
Energy access is a fundamental driver of economic development, social progress, and environmental sustainability. However, in many parts of Africa, millions of individuals still lack reliable access to modern energy services. Although urban areas typically enjoy better energy access, rural electrification remains low, leaving nearly 600 million people in Africa without electricity. Addressing this challenge necessitates a multidimensional approach that encompasses availability, affordability, accessibility, sustainability, security, adaptability, energy efficiency, and social equity.
By integrating innovative technologies, forward-thinking public policies, and well-structured economic incentives, Africa can enhance energy access and bridge the apparent energy gap. The aim of this op-ed is to review some key elements of energy access to enable innovative technologies, policy instruments, and economic incentives in expanding energy access in Africa. Let me acknowledge my former doctoral students, Dr. Clement Oteng and Dr. Joseph Asafo, UCC Institute for Oil and Gas, Cape Coast, for their contributions to this op-ed.
Energy Access Expansion Elements
Energy access is a multidimensional concept that encompasses various aspects of accessing modern energy services. The key dimensions of energy access, which innovation, policies, and incentives can enhance are grouped into several broad categories as follows:
Availability — The presence of energy infrastructure, including national grids, mini-grids, and off-grid systems, is essential for achieving energy access. Numerous rural areas in Africa remain unconnected to the central grid due to geographic and economic constraints according to Cyril et al., in 2024. Decentralized energy solutions, such as mini-grids and solar home systems, are increasingly viable alternatives for supplying energy to remote communities.
However, ensuring the reliability of energy supply presents a significant challenge, as many existing infrastructures experience frequent outages and operational inefficiencies. For example, in countries such as Nigeria and Kenya, solar mini-grids have been prioritized to electrify rural areas and feed electricity into the national grid. In Senegal, solar mini-grids are considered the second-best option for rural electrification, following grid extension according to Lwakatare et al. (2024). It is estimated that settlements located more than one kilometer from an existing grid should be electrified using solar mini grids.
Affordability — Even when energy infrastructure is available, affordability remains a significant barrier. The prohibitive costs associated with electricity and clean cooking fuels make them inaccessible to low-income households. Traditional biomass sources, such as firewood and charcoal, are the most affordable options; however, they come with significant health and environmental drawbacks. While liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is gaining popularity in urban areas, it remains costly for low-income households. Electric cooking is a feasible alternative where electricity is both affordable and dependable, but prohibitive costs and supply instability hinder its widespread adoption.
Innovative financing models, such as pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) solar, microfinancing, and subsidies for renewable energy adoption, can improve the affordability of energy services. Additionally, government policies that reduce tariffs on renewable energy equipment and provide targeted financial support to vulnerable populations can significantly enhance affordability.
Accessibility — Approximately 675 million individuals lack access to electricity, highlighting significant inequalities both within and between nations. The majority of those without electricity reside in rural areas, where electrification rates are normally below 80%, compared to 97% in urban regions. Notably, about 69% of the global population without electricity is in Sub-Saharan Africa, which exhibits lower rural access rates of 27% compared to an overall rate of 47%. There are notable variations within the region; for example, Malawi has only 10% rural access, whereas Kenya boasts a rural access rate of 72%.
Factors such as infrastructure development, geographic disparities, and technological advancements significantly influence energy service accessibility in Africa. Of the 20 countries with a high deficit in access to clean fuels and cooking technologies between 2016 and 2020, 10 are in Africa, including Tanzania (4%), the Democratic Republic of Congo (4%), Uganda (1%), Madagascar (1%), Mozambique (5%), Ghana (11%), Niger (3%), Nigeria (11%), Kenya (16%), and Ethiopia (7%).
Physical access to energy services is a vital aspect to consider. Households and businesses should be located near energy sources or have access to decentralized energy solutions that meet their specific needs. The adoption of energy technologies is also influenced by their ease of use and maintenance. Implementing training programs, designing user-friendly systems, and providing robust customer support can significantly aid communities in embracing modern energy solutions.
Sustainability – Sustainability in energy access includes both environmental and social dimensions. From an environmental perspective, prioritizing renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power is crucial for reducing carbon emissions and preventing ecological degradation. On the social side, sustainability means addressing energy poverty and ensuring that marginalized communities have equitable access to energy services. Policies that promote community participation and ownership of energy resources are vital for fostering long-term sustainability.
Sustainability in Africa’s energy sector is essential for fostering long-term economic development, environmental protection, and social equity. Green technologies, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, and eco-friendly innovations, can distinguish industrial success from environmental degradation.
These technologies minimize resource consumption and emissions by promoting sustainable agriculture and manufacturing alternatives, as well as encouraging circular and regenerative production and consumption. Effective environmental sustainability programs rely on robust governance and regulatory frameworks. Strong institutions are vital for enforcing environmental laws, managing resources responsibly, and incentivizing sustainable practices. Transparent and accountable governance enhances public engagement and collaboration, which are critical components of sustainability.
Security — Energy security encompasses the consistency and predictability of energy supply. Energy security in Africa, especially the power sector, is a critical challenge due to supply inconsistencies, infrastructure weaknesses, and vulnerability to shocks. Frequent power outages and unreliable electricity grids can impede productivity and economic growth. By strengthening grid resilience through the implementation of smart grid technologies, energy storage solutions, and diversified energy sources, we can enhance energy security and reduce dependence on single-source energy infrastructures. Also, achieving energy security requires a strong governmental system for strong economic performance. Good governance has been a cornerstone of most developed countries’ success stories.
Adaptability — Energy systems must adapt to evolving consumer demands and technological advancements. Many African countries have state-owned electricity utilities, such as Eskom in South Africa and ECG in Ghana, which frequently face challenges like inefficiency, slow service, and bureaucratic delays. In contrast, private renewable energy providers, including solar pay-as-you-go companies like M-KOPA and Bboxx, often deliver superior customer service, offering mobile payment options and round-the-clock support.
Urban areas enjoy better access to technical assistance, whereas rural regions often lack trained personnel for repairs and maintenance. To tackle maintenance issues proactively, some companies have implemented mobile-based customer service and remote monitoring for solar home systems. To uphold consumer confidence and satisfaction, it is imperative to establish robust customer support services, effective complaint resolution mechanisms, and the flexibility to integrate modern technologies, such as Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled energy management systems.
Energy Efficiency — Promoting energy efficiency is a cost-effective strategy for expanding access to energy without the need to increase generation capacity. Energy efficiency is critical for ensuring sustainable energy access, reducing costs, and improving energy security across the continent. Energy-efficient appliances, building designs, and industrial processes lower overall energy consumption while maintaining or improving service quality. Public awareness campaigns and government incentives for energy-efficient technologies can foster widespread adoption.
Social Equity — Energy access should be equitable for all socio-economic groups. Rural populations, low-income households, and marginalized communities often face significant barriers to accessing modern energy services. Policymakers must implement targeted interventions, such as lifeline tariffs, subsidized renewable energy systems, and inclusive financing models, to address these disparities.
Achieving energy justice is essential for addressing the challenges of energy marginalization and exclusion, especially in the deployment of renewable energy resources. Social equity in energy access is crucial for reducing poverty, improving livelihoods, and ensuring that all socio-economic groups benefit from energy services. However, significant disparities remain in Africa.
Energy Access Expansion Policies
Governments play a crucial role in fostering an environment conducive to energy expansion through effective policies. Key approaches include:
- Net Metering: Allowing households and businesses to produce their own renewable energy and sell excess power back to the grid incentivizes decentralized energy production.
- Tax Incentives: Offering tax credits or grants for investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency lowers costs and attracts private sector participation.
- Streamlined Permitting: Simplifying and expediting the permitting process for renewable energy projects accelerates development and reduces bureaucratic hurdles.
- Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS): Mandating utilities to generate a specific percentage of their electricity from renewable sources promotes a consistent shift towards clean energy.
- Energy Storage Incentives: Promoting the adoption of battery storage systems enhances energy reliability and supports the integration of intermittent renewable sources.
Energy Access Expansion Innovations
Innovation plays a crucial role in expanding energy access. Breakthrough technologies and new business models are making energy more accessible, reliable, and affordable:
- Off-Grid Solar: Solar home systems and mini-grids deliver reliable electricity to rural areas without grid connections.
- Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) Solar: This financing model enables customers to pay in small, manageable instalments, making solar energy more affordable.
- Mobile Money Payments: The incorporation of mobile payment platforms simplifies secure transactions for energy services.
- Energy-Efficient Appliances: Developing appliances that consume less power improves the efficiency of energy access initiatives.
- Smart Grids: These grids utilize digital communication technologies to optimize electricity distribution and minimize losses.
- Community-Based Energy Projects: Local ownership and management of energy projects promote sustainability and enhance community engagement.
CONCLUDING REMARKS
Expanding energy access in Africa requires an approach that integrates innovative technologies, strategic public policies, and well-designed incentives. By addressing the multiple dimensions of energy access thus availability, affordability, accessibility, sustainability, security, adaptability, energy efficiency, and social equity, African nations can create a robust and inclusive energy ecosystem. Governments, businesses, and communities must work together to implement policies, leverage innovations, and adopt business models that make modern energy services accessible, affordable, and sustainable for all. With the right interventions, Africa can overcome its energy challenges and unlock new opportunities for economic growth and social development.
OMOWUMI O. ILEDARE, PhD, Sr.
Fellow USAEE, Fellow NIPetE, Fellow
EI, Professor Emeritus, Louisiana
State University, Baton Rouge, USA
& Executive Director, Emmanuel Egbogah Foundation, Abuja, Nigeria