Electricity Sector in Africa: Current State, Problems and Prospects

Abstract

The African energy paradox lies in the fact that, despite huge energy resources, both traditional and renewable, the continent remains the least electrified region in the world. With existing approaches, the scale of energy poverty will continue to grow. This situation is largely caused by the financial and technological dependence of African countries on their main partners. These partners can impose the choice of a particular technological model for the development of the electricity sector, including the concept of the energy transition. The article identifies the technical and economic specifics of renewable energy that, if implemented widely, limit the African continent’s ability to ensure universal access to reliable and affordable energy sources. It proposes the development of a plan for a modern African energy system, whose main goal would be accelerated socio-economic development, industrialization, and improved quality of life for the population. The fundamental principles for building this energy system are defined.