Electricity in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2022

In 2022, electricity consumption in Sub-Saharan Africa was largely dominated by fossil fuels, which accounted for almost two-thirds of the total electricity generation, with coal being the most significant contributor at over 40%. Low-carbon sources, however, made up a significant portion as well, constituting more than a third of the region's electricity generation. Among the low-carbon sources, hydropower was the most significant, contributing close to 28%. Other low-carbon energy sources included wind, nuclear, and solar, each contributing a small but meaningful fraction, with wind at almost 3%, nuclear slightly above 2%, and solar close to 2%.

Suggestions

To expand on low-carbon electricity generation, Sub-Saharan Africa can look to countries that have successfully increased their reliance on clean energy. For instance, Denmark and Uruguay have integrated substantial amounts of wind energy, reaching levels around 59% and 36% respectively. These examples demonstrate the potential for significant scaling up of wind energy, especially given the vast open spaces available in many African nations. Additionally, the nuclear prowess of countries like France, which generates 67% of its electricity from nuclear energy, underscores the potential benefits of investing in nuclear power. Sub-Saharan Africa can also take cues from emerging solar markets such as Greece and Chile, which have effectively incorporated solar energy into their grids, generating over 20% of their electricity from solar in recent years.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity development in Sub-Saharan Africa over the past decade shows a mixed but progressive trend. In the early 2010s, hydropower saw significant gains, with notable increases in 2013 and 2014. However, 2015 marked a dip for hydropower, though this was partially offset by the introduction of wind and solar power. The mid-2010s witnessed growth in nuclear electricity, although the gains were occasionally reversed in the latter half of the decade, particularly with significant declines in 2018 and 2020. Despite challenges, the past few years have seen a resurgence in wind and solar, particularly in 2021, indicating a growing commitment to diversifying electricity generation from low-carbon sources.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources