The state of Africa’s electricity generation: An investigative look into capacity, challenges and future roadmap

According to PwC (2021) Africa is home to 17 % of the world’s population, but it accounts only 4% of global power investment. As of 2013, it was estimated that only 58% of the continent’s population has access to electricity. On the whole, according to the International Energy Agency (2022) statistics, the African continent generates 890 352 gigawatts which is slightly above that of countries like Germany which produce 589 457 gigawatts. These statistics are worrisome on the notion that, although Africa has only contributed 3 % of the global carbon emissions it is not left in the brunt of climatic change. However, it is also important to realise that this lag can be a blessing in disguise, on the premise that, the African continent is the only continent with the greatest potential to transition to green energy swiftly as it is highly endowed with water, wind, solar and geothermal resources. This research main thrust is to thoroughly investigate into challenges and opportunities in the electricity generation value chain in Africa and amalgamating to policy recommendations which will ultimately lead to sustainable energy development in the continent.