Electricity in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2022

In 2022, electricity consumption in Sub-Saharan Africa was primarily driven by fossil fuels, with more than half of the electricity, about 63%, being produced from these sources. Coal alone accounted for almost 42% of power generation, while gas contributed over 14%. In contrast, low-carbon or clean energy sources made up almost 36% of the region's electricity supply. Hydropower was the dominant low-carbon source, generating around 28% of the total electricity. Wind and nuclear power contributed approximately 2.7% and 2% respectively, while solar energy was responsible for nearly 2%. The reliance on fossil fuels poses significant challenges, including air pollution and climate change, making it crucial for Sub-Saharan Africa to enhance its clean energy capacity.

Suggestions

To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Sub-Saharan Africa can adopt strategies from successful examples worldwide. For instance, countries like Denmark and Uruguay have excelled in wind power, generating about 61% and 36% of their electricity from this source. Meanwhile, nations such as France and Slovakia heavily utilize nuclear energy, producing about 67% and 60% of their electricity, respectively, from nuclear sources. Emulating these countries' commitment to low-carbon solutions could significantly enhance Sub-Saharan Africa's clean energy landscape. Moreover, existing examples within the region, like Cape Verde with its 14% wind contribution, highlight the potential of expanding wind power. Emphasizing solar energy, as seen in Namibia and Malawi with solar contributing around 13%, can also play a crucial role in diversifying and strengthening the clean energy mix in the region.

History

Examining the history of low-carbon electricity developments in Sub-Saharan Africa, significant gains have been observed in hydropower, particularly in the late 2010s and early 2020s. The years 2014, 2017, and 2020 saw substantial increases in hydropower generation, with increments of roughly 7 TWh, 6 TWh, and 8 TWh, respectively. Wind energy began to show growth in 2015 and continued its upward trend through 2021, contributing around 2-3 TWh annually. Solar power made meaningful progress starting in 2015 with steady increases apparent in 2021. Nuclear energy, however, experienced fluctuations. Despite a gain of about 3 TWh in 2016 and positive increments in 2019 and 2021, it saw declines in 2018, 2020, and 2022, highlighting challenges that need addressing to ensure stable contributions from this clean energy source. Sub-Saharan Africa's historical journey underscores the importance of continuing to prioritize and invest in sustainable electricity sources like hydropower, wind, solar, and nuclear to ensure a resilient and clean energy future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources