In 2022, electricity consumption in the Central African Republic was just 27 kWh per person, compared with a global average of 3,853 kWh per person. That is less than 1% of the global average, or roughly one hundred and fortieth as much electricity per person. The supplied figures put low-carbon electricity generation at approximately the same level as total consumption, indicating an overwhelmingly clean electricity supply and close to no fossil electricity at the reported precision. However, a clean supply must also be sufficient: such low electricity availability can constrain healthcare, refrigeration, education, business activity and access to digital services.

Is Electricity Growing in Central African Republic?

Electricity consumption per person is not growing relative to its historical peak. The 2022 figure of 27 kWh was about 30% below the record of 39 kWh reached in 2011—a decline of 12 kWh per person. Low-carbon generation per person was also roughly a quarter below its 2014 record of 37 kWh. These figures show a worrying failure to sustain earlier levels of electricity availability, although comparing records alone does not establish whether consumption increased or decreased in the latest individual year. Strong, sustained growth in clean electricity is needed to support development and future electrification.

Suggestions

The Central African Republic could prioritize solar installations, including mini-grids and systems serving schools, clinics and businesses, alongside grid expansion and improvements to existing hydropower. South Africa offers a relevant African example, with the supplied reference figures showing about 19 TWh of solar electricity and 11 TWh of wind electricity. India’s roughly 223 TWh of solar generation also illustrates the potential for substantial deployment. These totals are examples of scale, not directly transferable targets. Nuclear should also be considered in long-term electricity planning, supported by regional cooperation, workforce development and appropriate institutions: South Africa generates about 11 TWh from nuclear, while France generates around 373 TWh. Learning from both solar and nuclear experience would help build an abundant, low-carbon electricity supply.

History

The reported history of low-carbon electricity is dominated by hydropower and prolonged stagnation. In 2000, hydroelectric generation increased by 0.1 TWh, equivalent to about 100 million kWh. Every listed year from 2001 through 2018 then recorded no change, and the entry for 2022 also showed no change from the preceding year. Entries for 2019–2021 are absent, so this series does not establish what happened throughout that interval. Overall, the available record shows an initial increase followed by many years without reported hydroelectric growth—a disappointing pattern when much more clean electricity is needed.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade