46pc of Africa’s population lack access to electricity – report

NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 21 – More than 580 million of the continent’s population lack access to electricity, an outlook released by the African Energy Chamber has revealed highlighting the need to expand Africa’s electricity generation capacity

The Chamber’s Flagship Outlook report highlighted that despite Africa’s expected growth in renewable power generation by close to 14.5 percent in 2021, there exists a deficit to stem the overall decline of 2.5 percent in electricity generation brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conventional fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas collectively accounted for three-quarters of Africa’s power generation.

Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, NJ Ayuk noted that there is a need to expand electricity generation by six percent in order to support strong economic growth, foster industrialization, and safeguard livelihoods.

“The African Energy Chamber is committed to helping Africa’s energy sector stakeholders navigate a complex and ever-changing global energy landscape. Through the State of African Energy 2022 energy outlook, the Chamber continues on its mission to support the dynamic private sector and unlock the continent’s remarkable energy potential,” said Ayuk.

More than a dozen African countries are already using natural gas they produce themselves or import from other countries to generate electricity with new projects underway.

The outlook was released ahead of the launch of the  State of African Energy 2022 set for October 25.

The report will outline the expected state of the Oil, Gas, and Power industry in 2022, with a key emphasis on the effects of the energy transition on the sectors.

“It’s without a doubt that energy poverty needs to be eradicated. This flagship energy outlook is the Chamber’s guide to investors and major players within the energy sector, that provides a comprehensive approach to battling energy poverty – one that includes gas-to-power initiatives,” the outlook read in part.