As the world gathered at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) this year, one message rang louder than ever: Africa’s path to sustainable development is intrinsically linked to energy access. In the corridors of diplomacy and international cooperation, our focus as a continent must remain steadfast: we must catalyse development and shared prosperity in African countries through improved energy access and sustainable energy production. This is not just rhetoric; it’s the core of my work as an energy investor and sustainability consultant.
Africa, with its abundant resources, holds immense potential to emerge as a global leader in energy. Yet, the continent grapples with the scourge of energy poverty. According to the World Bank, over 600 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa still lack access to electricity, and nearly 900 million people rely on traditional biomass for cooking.
The ramifications of this energy poverty are profound, touching everything from economic growth to education, healthcare, and overall quality of life. Read also: UNGA: Zulum secures $100m investment for Borno State The challenge: energy poverty in Africa Energy poverty continues to impede Africa’s growth. Without reliable energy, small businesses struggle to operate, hospitals can’t function effectively, and students are unable to study after sunset.
This energy deficit contributes to a 2-4 percent loss in GDP annually in some African countries, according to the African Development Bank (AfD.