In 2022, electricity consumption in the Central African Republic was just 27 kWh per person, with the supplied figures indicating that essentially all electricity came from low-carbon hydropower and close to none from fossil fuels. Although this is a clean electricity mix, the amount available is extremely low: less than 1% of the global average of 3,794 kWh per person, or roughly 140 times lower. Such limited electricity supply can constrain healthcare, education, water services, business activity and access to digital technology. Expanding clean electricity generation is therefore essential for improving living standards and supporting economic development.

Is Electricity Growing in Central African Republic?

The latest figures do not show electricity consumption growing beyond its historical peak. At 27 kWh per person in 2022, consumption was 12 kWh below the record of 39 kWh reached in 2011—a decline of almost a third. Low-carbon electricity generation was also below its earlier peak: the supplied data report 27 kWh per person in 2022, compared with a record of 37 kWh in 2014, and a reported decline of about 9 kWh per person. This shortfall is concerning, especially given the country's already very low electricity availability and the need for more supply to support electrification and future digital demand.

Suggestions

The Central African Republic can increase low-carbon electricity generation by expanding solar power, strengthening its grid and developing solar mini-grids for communities beyond the existing network. South Africa offers a relevant African example, generating about 20 TWh from solar, 12 TWh from wind and 12 TWh from nuclear. Other useful examples include India, with about 192 TWh of solar generation, and Pakistan, with about 41 TWh from solar and 22 TWh from nuclear. These figures illustrate the contribution both solar and nuclear can make, although they are not directly comparable targets for a much smaller electricity system. The country should pursue solar deployment now, assess wind opportunities where local resources support them, and consider nuclear electricity as part of long-term planning, supported by international partnerships, workforce development and regional grid cooperation.

History

The supplied history shows very little change in hydropower generation over two decades. In 2000, generation increased by about 0.1 TWh, equivalent to 100 million kWh. Every listed year from 2001 through 2018 then recorded no change at the precision provided, and the entry for 2022 likewise shows no change. There are no entries for 2019–2021, so those years cannot be assessed from this dataset. Overall, the recorded history suggests prolonged stagnation rather than sustained expansion of low-carbon electricity—a disappointing pattern that underscores the importance of adding substantial new clean generation.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade