Overview and Scope of the Power and Energy Situation on the African Continent.

The African Continent has some of world’s Largest Energy Resources. Yet despite this abundance it accounts for at least half of total world’s Electricity Deficit – as only 40 % of the population of 1.2 people has access to electricity. Electricity Per capita in Africa is also incredibly low and it costs more per energy unit compared to other parts of the world including the developed countries.

In addition to Low Electricity Proliferation. The Existing infrastructure is inadequate to meet the current requirements. It is estimated for example that Power and Energy inadequacies cost countries up to between 2% and 4% of GDP.

For the African Continent the need to accelerate Power and Energy Development is paramount, owing a fast growing population, rapid urbanization and economic growth sustainability. World Bank data shows that an investment of up to USD 120 Billion is needed annually for power and Energy development to meet the objectives of the current needs.

The Sustainable Development Goal on energy (SDG7) is incorporated in the social, economic and sustainability goals of Africa Union’s Agenda 2063. While “Light up and Power Africa” is Priority Number one of the African development Bank’s High 5’s of its Ten year development Strategic plan -2013-2022.The other African Power and Energy - accelerator-programme featured on this overview is “PowerAfrica” an innovative programme that was Launched in 2013 by Former US President Barack Obama,that is designed to add an additional 30 GW of Energy and 60 million connections in SSA by 2030.

The African continent has abundant Renewable energy resources having a remarkable 18 out of 35 countries with the highest Renewable Energy resources in the world according to IEA.

Sustainable energy is at the forefront of the development plans of African nations, recognizing its central role in achieving all SDG targets, mitigating and adapting to Climate change. Out of the 53 African Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) of the Climate change Accord, 45 contain quantified renewable energy targets. These acknowledge the abundant opportunities offered by Africa’s vast renewable energy to put the continent on a clean development path.

By so doing however it is Recommended that Countries take a holist approach in planning the Energy Programmes as opposed to factoring just Power Generation. Power and Energy Infrastructure, Finance,capacity building for the power service value chain and efficient management of the Power Utilities should be accorded equal priority.