Much of the African continent is still shrouded in darkness at night and during the day, access to electricity is non-existent in many areas. They say a picture is worth a thousand words and that is exactly what an amazing picture of Africa at night from space seems to depict.
Africa at Night From Space: Afrcica's Most Electrified And Darkest Countries
However, this picture summarizes the total darkness in many parts of Africa in the 21st century when the world is marching towards the 4th industrial revolution. The population of Africa as of August 25th is estimated to be 1,465,621,904 based on the latest United Nations estimates. This is equivalent to 17.89% of the total world population however, Africa’s sprawling cities have erratic supplies of electricity with many more places still rural in nature with no electricity.
According to the International Energy Agency and the World Bank, 43% of Africans have access to electricity — about 600 million people — lacked access to electricity with 590 million of them in sub‐Saharan Africa, as of March 2023.
African countries obtain electricity mainly from solar, wind, biomass, natural gas, hydropower, geothermal energy, biomass among others. Data shows that countries such as Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia have 100% access to electricity. Other countries such as Algeria and Gabon have 90% plus access to electricity while Ghana and South Africa have a little over 80% access. Thus 57% of Africans do not have electricity. This means in Mauritius, 99% of the population has access to electricity, while in Chad, only 12% do.
There are a number of factors that contribute to the low rate of access to electricity in Africa. These include poverty, lack of infrastructure, and political instability. Poverty is a major barrier to access to electricity, as people who cannot afford to pay for electricity are often unable to get it. Lack of infrastructure is also a problem, as many parts of Africa do not have the power grids or other infrastructure necessary to provide electricity.
Political instability can also make it difficult to invest in and maintain electricity infrastructure. The lack of access to electricity has a number of negative consequences for people in Africa. It can make it difficult to get a good education, to start a business, and to stay healthy. It can also lead to social unrest and conflict.
There are a number of things that can be done to improve access to electricity in Africa. These include investing in infrastructure, providing subsidies for the poor, and promoting renewable energy sources. With concerted effort, it is possible to significantly increase the percentage of Africans who have access to electricity in the coming years.
Africans across the content have reacted to the Africa at Night from Space image with mixed feelings. Many believe leaders in Africa have not done much to ensure access to electricity in their various countries. For many, more Africans are in the dark compared to other continents.
This is extremely worrying, considering the vast power-related resources for African countries to produce the majority of the world’s energy production. Some have concluded that the picture is a sign of Africa’s underdevelopment.
Africa at Night From Space: The top 10 African countries with the highest electricity access rates
Egypt (100%)
Morocco (100%)
Tunisia (100%)
Algeria (99.8%)
Gabon (91.6%)
Ghana (85.9%)
South Africa (84.4%)
Botswana (72%)
Kenya (71.4%)
Senegal (70.4%)
These countries have achieved universal or near-universal electricity access, meaning that most or all of their citizens have access to electricity. This is a major achievement, as it provides people with access to essential services such as lighting, refrigeration, and communication.
The electricity mix in these countries varies, but it is often dominated by renewable energy sources such as hydropower, solar, and wind. This is a positive trend, as it helps to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate climate change.
These countries are still working to improve access to electricity in rural areas, where it is often more difficult and expensive to provide services. However, they are making progress, and it is likely that most African countries will achieve universal electricity access in the coming years.
Here are some additional details about the electricity access rates in these countries:
Egypt generates most of its electricity from hydropower and thermal power stations. The country is also a leader in the renewable energy sector, and is developing plans to export surplus electricity to Europe, the Middle East, and sub-Saharan Africa.
Morocco is among the top electrified countries in Africa, and is also a leader in the renewable energy sector. The country is targeting an increase in the share of renewables in the energy mix to 52% for wind and solar by 2030.
Tunisia predominantly generates its electricity from natural gas, and is on track for long-term investment in renewable energy, targeting a 30% share of renewables by 2023.
Algeria generates most of its electricity from natural gas, and has a 99.8% national electricity access rate.
Gabon has an electricity access rate of 91.6%, and is working to improve access in rural areas. The country is targeting universal access to electricity by 2025.
Ghana has a national electricity access rate of 85.9%, and is working to improve access in rural areas. The country is endowed with significant natural gas reserves as well as various renewable resources, which could help to improve access to electricity.
South Africa currently generates most of its electricity from coal, but is targeting energy diversification and increased investment in renewable energy. The country’s national access to electricity rate stands at 84.4%.
Botswana mainly generates its electricity from coal, wood, and petroleum, and is working to improve access to electricity in rural areas. The country has set a target of achieving a 100% electricity access rate by 2030.
Kenya has the highest access rate in East Africa, with a 71.4% national electricity access rate. The country’s energy mix includes hydropower, geothermal energy, wind power, solar power, and biomass.
Senegal is targeting universal access to electricity by 2025 and is investing in new gas-to-power developments and renewable energy project.