Electricity in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2022

In Sub-Saharan Africa, the electricity landscape in 2022 shows a strong reliance on fossil fuels, with more than 60% of electricity generation coming from this source. Coal is the dominant player in this category, contributing almost 42% to the electricity mix, while gas provides about 14%. On the brighter side, clean energy sources account for around 36% of the region's electricity. Hydropower leads the pack among clean energy technologies, comprising nearly 28% of the total electricity supply. Wind, nuclear, solar, and geothermal together contribute a modest share, with wind and nuclear both around 2%, solar just under 2%, and geothermal and biofuels making up closer to 2%. The predominance of fossil fuels is not just a statistic; it has real implications for climate change and air pollution, emphasizing the need for a shift towards more sustainable and clean sources of electricity.

Suggestions

To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Sub-Saharan Africa can draw insights from countries that have successfully integrated substantial amounts of clean energy. For instance, Denmark and Uruguay are noteworthy for their significant adoption of wind power, with shares of 59% and 33%, respectively, showcasing the potential of wind in providing a stable and high percentage of a country's electricity. Solutions like these, tailored to the local geographical and economic context of Sub-Saharan Africa, can help in scaling up wind and solar installations. Additionally, nuclear energy has proven to be a reliable low-carbon source in countries such as France and Slovakia, generating 68% and 60% of electricity respectively, highlighting its potential for supporting large-scale, continuous electricity generation without carbon emissions. Emulating these strategies could provide a path towards a cleaner energy future for Sub-Saharan Africa.

History

Historically, low-carbon electricity sources in Sub-Saharan Africa have seen a fluctuating pattern of growth. In the early to mid-2010s, hydropower grew substantially with notable yearly increases, particularly in 2014 and the late 2010s, while wind and solar began making more impactful contributions from 2015 onward. However, nuclear energy has faced inconsistent trajectories, with some years reflecting growth and others showing concerning declines—such as in 2018 and 2020, when a reduction of around 2-3 TWh was observed. Despite these setbacks, the early 2020s have shown positive strides in wind and solar expansion, reflecting a broader global commitment to clean energy development. It is crucial for Sub-Saharan Africa to maintain this momentum by optimizing policies and investments that favor sustainable growth and technological innovations in the clean electricity sector.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources