Energy poverty in African countries: An assessment of trends and policies

Abstract

Energy poverty, understood as the lack of access to adequate and sufficient energy services, constitutes a severe development problem for the African continent. Even though several policies and alleviation measures have been implemented in the last few decades, African countries still face multiple challenges. Therefore, this paper aims to identify these challenges related to energy poverty alleviation in Africa and the suitable solutions to address them. Using a mixed methods approach, involving a bibliometric analysis and a survey of involved actors, the study identifies the current constraints, obstacles and measures to address the problem in African countries. Findings point out to governance-related issues, including corruption and poor policy implementation, as the most indicated reasons for energy poverty in Africa, more than technological, financial, and policy issues. The results also confirm the fact that energy poverty has various roots and addressing it needs to take into account challenges related to outdated infrastructure, limited accessibility, and high prices. Moreover, there is often a lack of awareness about the benefits of renewable energy sources and energy-efficient practices, which suggests research in this field is also needed. The novelty of this study resides in the fact that it reviews the literature on the topic, describes its variables associated with the problem, and presents the views and perspectives from people familiar with the topic. The insights from this research can inform policymakers and infrastructure planners, helping them to prioritise investments and design interventions that address the root causes of energy poverty and its various manifestations.