A staggering 86% of the 685 million people globally without access to electricity reside in Africa, highlighting the continent’s significant energy access gap.
This figure, detailed in the State of African Energy Report 2025, underscores the urgency of addressing Africa’s electrification challenges, particularly in rural areas where connectivity is minimal or entirely absent.
“[Africa’s] electrification has been hindered by high grid connection costs, low disposable income levels, poor local distribution infrastructure and sluggish power demand.”
State of African Energy Report 2025
These challenges are compounded by the economic strain on consumers, who often reduce their electricity consumption to save money. This lower demand creates a vicious cycle where the economics of large-scale infrastructure investments become less viable.
“Improving electricity access is not only essential for raising living standards but also for unlocking Africa’s economic potential,” the report noted. Access to reliable electricity is critical for enabling modern healthcare, education, and business operations, creating a multiplier effect on quality of life and economic opportunities.
The report drew a sharp contrast between the electrification levels of North African and sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. While nations like Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco boast electricity access rates exceeding 90%, SSA remains far behind.
“SSA has been able to increase its electricity access rates to 55% currently, from 38.3% in 2010.
“[This increase, though notable,] nearly 570 million people having lacked electricity access since 2010, as population growth outpaced electrification efforts.”
State of African Energy Report 2025
Countries in SSA with relatively high electrification rates—above 75%—include Botswana, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa. However, at least seven countries in the region have electricity access rates below 20%, meaning fewer than one in five people can reliably access power.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Nigeria, and Malawi are particularly emblematic of this struggle, as their electrification progress lags behind their burgeoning populations.
Learning from Asia’s Electrification Success
While Africa struggles with electrification, Asia has made significant strides. Since 2010, nearly half a billion people in Asia have gained access to electricity, bringing the region’s electrification rate to 96%, up from 85% in 2010.
“This progress has been particularly pronounced in countries like India, Indonesia, and Bangladesh, where ambitious government-led initiatives have expanded access to over 99% of their populations.”
State of African Energy Report 2025
India’s Saubhagya scheme, for instance, is a model of success. The initiative provided free electricity connections to millions of households, leveraging strong policy frameworks, innovative financing mechanisms, and public-private partnerships.
Although Asia’s progress has slowed since the COVID-19 pandemic, it has remained more resilient than Africa’s, largely due to better planning and investment.
The State of African Energy Report 2025 underscored the urgent need for investment and infrastructure development to bridge Africa’s electricity gap. Achieving universal electricity access by 2030—a target set by fewer than 20% of African countries—requires bold action and coordinated efforts across the continent.
The report also emphasized the potential of renewable energy as a game-changer for Africa’s energy landscape. With abundant solar, wind, and hydro resources, many African countries are uniquely positioned to leapfrog traditional fossil fuel-based energy systems.
Off-grid and mini-grid renewable energy solutions are seen as vital for reaching remote rural areas where grid expansion is not cost-effective.
Countries in North Africa have already begun transitioning toward renewable energy, reducing their reliance on fossil fuels. For example, Morocco has invested heavily in solar and wind energy projects, setting an example for the rest of the continent.
In SSA, countries like Kenya are also making strides, with projects such as the Lake Turkana Wind Power initiative contributing significantly to the national grid.
As the State of African Energy Report 2025 rightly noted, electrification is more than just a developmental goal—it is a lifeline for millions of Africans seeking a better future. Achieving universal electricity access will not only transform lives but also unlock Africa’s immense economic potential.
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