Rethinking Electrification in Sub-Saharan Africa : Why we Should Stop Counting and Start Thinking Big

World Bank

World Bank, Washington, DC

关键词: ELECTRICITY;    RURAL ELECTRIFICATION;    ACCESS TO ENERGY;    SERVICE DELIVERY;    ENERGY TECHNOLOGY;   

RP-ID  :  138786

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: World Bank Open Knowledge Repository

【 摘 要 】

If African nations want to see theireconomies transform, the issue of electricity must betackled head-on. Expansion needs investment too, and forthat, utilities must recover their costs. Yet all over theregion utilities are running at a loss. This report takes abroader look at the issue to show that the problem in Africais not power but poverty. It shows that affordability,reliability, and coordination are the missing links tomaking utilities financially viable and expanding theirconsumer base. The report emphasizes that access toelectricity cannot be a stand-alone goal. Policymakers mustrethink their approach to electrification by placing theproductive use of electrification at center stage. Given theresource constraints, governments need to coordinateinvestments in other aspects of their infrastructure at thesame time as they invest in electricity. Policies andprograms need to focus on improving access to marketsthrough better roads and expanding credit for newbusinesses. In this way, electricity can energizeagriculture in rural areas and industry in urban areas. Thisreport shows that, to generate income, create jobs, andalleviate poverty in Africa, electricity has to be part of a package.