According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), Africa’s economy will be four times larger by 2040, with energy demand projected to rise by 60% as the continent undergoes rapid population growth. Yet, the report simultaneously mentions that current policy and investment plans are not enough to meet Africa’s future energy needs, with little progress having been made in improving energy access and reliability through the power grid over the past decade, particularly in West and Central Africa.
As energy access is crucial to unlocking the region’s economic potential, the World Bank notes that broad reforms are needed to incentivise private sector investment and improve electrification efforts through reliable methods, such as off-grid solar systems and mini-grids that can reach rural communities and provide clean electricity to service healthcare, schools and businesses.
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