Power is Africa’s largest infrastructure challenge by far, according to a new report, Africa’s Infrastructure: A Time for Transformation. The study of 24 African countries was conducted by a partnership of institutions, including the African Development Bank and World Bank Group. 

Only one-fifth of the population of Sub-Saharan Africa has access to electricity, and many countries rely on inefficient, expensive, small-scale power generation that is oil based and contributes to climate change. Africa’s chronic power problems affect 30 countries and take a heavy toll on economic growth and productivity, stymieing efforts to reduce poverty and improve people’s lives. 

Africa is well endowed with many renewable energy resources, but only a small fraction of that potential has been tapped. CIF is working with three African countries—Ethiopia, Kenya, and Mali—that have been selected as SREP pilots. SREP will help the countries overcome economic and noneconomic barriers in order to attract significant private sector investments in the renewable energy sector.
 

• Kenya: Currently, only 15 percent of Kenya’s population has access to electricity, and the demand is growing. The government has initiated a number of programs to improve capacity and accessibility throughout the country. Renewable energy-based power generation is a priority. Private investors are expected to play a major role in boosting geothermal power development in the country, and there is significant private sector interest in clean biomass and wind power projects.

• Ethiopia: Only 2 percent of Ethiopians living in rural areas have access to electricity. The government is committed to providing adequate and cost-effective electricity supplies and rapidly expanding access. Small hydropower, wind, and geothermal are potential sources of new power generation.

• Mali: Only 4 percent of Mali’s rural population has access to electricity, and the government is seeking to increase that to 12 percent by 2010 and 55 percent by 2020. The government is promoting greater use of photovoltaic technologies, while continuing the development of other renewable energy sources.  

Expected Results: Kenya, Ethiopia, and Mali will increase their economic growth and productivity by improving access to electricity. The countries will harness their untapped renewable energy potential through CIF-funded projects.