Access to reliable electricity is crucial for economic growth, and many African countries have made strides in improving their electrical infrastructure, providing their citizens with more dependable power. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), access to electricity encompasses not only the delivery of power to homes but also ensuring a minimum usage threshold, which varies based on whether the area is urban or rural.
The following ten African nations stand out for their significant progress in ensuring electricity access as reported by Business Day.
1. Mauritius: Nearly all citizens have electricity access, with investments in renewable sources like wind and solar power reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
2. Egypt: Both rural and urban areas along the Mediterranean and Red Seas have continuous electricity access, with plans to export excess power to neighboring regions.
3. Morocco: Achieving full electrification, Morocco is advancing its renewable energy targets, primarily through solar and wind power.
4. Tunisia: Ensuring 100% power availability nationwide, Tunisia is transitioning towards a renewable energy mix, aiming for a 30% share by 2023.
5. Algeria: With high electrification rates, Algeria mainly relies on natural gas but is diversifying its sources with hydropower, wind, solar, and oil.
6. Gabon: Implementing a sustainable energy mix, Gabon aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and enhance rural electrification through biomass, natural gas, and hydropower.
7. Ghana: The country relies on hydropower, gas, and thermal energy, with significant electrification progress in both urban and rural areas.
8. South Africa: Despite coal being the primary energy source, South Africa is expanding renewable energy research to diversify its energy mix and improve access.
9. Botswana: Utilizing wind and solar resources, Botswana is on track to achieve universal electricity access by 2030.
10. Kenya: Leading in East Africa with high national electricity access rates, Kenya's energy mix includes geothermal, wind, solar, hydropower, and biomass.
(Source: BUSINESSDAY)