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In many African countries, access to electricity is still a major problem that hinders their development. Nigeria has the highest population lacking access to power. What is Africa’s electrification rate? A significant section of the populace struggles with unreliable electricity across the continent. According to the International Energy Agency, Africa’s electricity connection rate is 45%, the lowest among all continents. Business Insider noted that over 600 million people lack access to energy, which restricts them from engaging in business and other activities. The Energy Progress Report 2023 revealed African countries with the largest population lacking access to electricity. “Almost six in 10 people without access will reside in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030. The number of people without access in that region is growing at a rate of almost 20 million people per year as gains in access fail to keep pace with population growth. The growing access deficit in Sub-Saharan Africa could undermine increasing trends in global access,” the report stated. African countries with the highest population without electricity Rank Country Population without access to electricity 1 Nigeria 86 million 2 The Democratic Republic of Congo 76 million 3 Ethiopia 55 million 4 Tanzania 36 million 5 Uganda 25 million 6 Mozambique 22 million 7 Niger 21 million 8 Madagascar 19 million 9 Burkina Faso 18 million 10 Angola 18 million Which African countries have the highest electricity connection? At least 10 African countries have improved their electrical infrastructure, giving their citizens access to stable power supply. Mauritius is one of Africa’s best performers, with all its citizens having electricity access. Other countries with a 100% rate are Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia.
by Japhet Ruto
