Page 491 - 2016 - Vol. 40

This critical situation is exacerbated by African
governments’ failure to boost energy generation, increase
distribution capacity, and maintain energy infrastructure. In
addition, low per capita incomes, inefficient and costly forms
of energy supply worsen energy affordability; electricity prices
are very high by world standards, and major African industries
(such as mining) are sometimes negatively affected (4) .

Table (1): Electricity Access Rates around the World in 2013

Region Population Electrification Urban Rural
without Rate Electrification Electrification

Electricity (%) Rate Rate
(Millions) (%) (%)

Developing countries 1,200 78% 92% 67%

Africa 635 43% 68% 26%
North Africa 1 99% 100% 99%
sub-Saharan Africa 634 32% 59% 17%
Developing Asia 526 86% 96% 78%
China 1 100% 100% 100%
India 237 81% 96% 74%
Latin America 22 95% 98% 85%

Middle East 17 92% 98% 79%

Transition Economies 1 100% 100% 100%
& OECD*

World 1,201 83% 95% 70%

*OECD = Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
Source: IEA: World Energy Outlook 2015 - Electricity Access Database, at:
http://www.worldenergyoutlook.org/resources/energydevelopment/energyaccess database, Visited on: 2/2/2016.

This energy insecurity situation is in marked contrast with

the abundance of different renewable energy resources in many

African regions. For instance, there is excellent solar energy

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