The Missing Piece on Africa's Development Path: Reliable Energy

Access to energy in Africa is often evaluated solely on the basis of being “connected to the grid.” However, the reality is that if electricity is unreliable, this connection has limited contribution to development.

Today, one in two people in Sub-Saharan Africa has no access to electricity at all. And of those who do, a significant portion cannot access uninterrupted power around the clock.

Why Reliability?

Reliability means providing continuous, high-quality, and plannable electricity. Every sector, from industrial production to agriculture, from hospitals to schools, depends on it.

The Role of Transmission Infrastructure:

Increasing generation capacity is important, but it's not enough. If transmission lines aren't strong, the energy generated won't reach the grid completely. Therefore, transmission investments play a critical role in many areas, from the integration of renewable resources to regional energy trading.

Where is the Solution?

In Africa, most transmission networks are owned by public companies, and financial resources are limited. Strong steps to address this gap include:

* Public-private partnerships (PPP)

* Investor-friendly regulations

* Long-term energy strategies

* Regional collaborations such as the West African Power Pool.

Final word:

Access to reliable energy in Africa is key to economic growth and improving the quality of life for millions of people.