Access to Electricity in Sub-Saharan Africa: Lessons Learned and Innovative Approaches

This study was conducted with the aim of developing new approaches and a methodological capitalization on the topic of access to electricity services for all in Sub-Saharan Africa. The first section of the study analyzes the challenges involved. The low level of access rates in Sub-Saharan Africa must be put into perspective with the need for equipment design and territorial development. This, in turn, must consider the dynamics of economic and social development, as well as the impact of past programs and sector reforms. The second section focuses on operational proposals, based on a review of the various technical options for power generation, especially for renewable energy, whose recent advances certainly have strong potential but also difficulties. The key challenge for distribution is addressed in its multiple dimensions. The third and last section concerns the financial challenges: there is a need to mobilize national financing, which reflects a strong political commitment, and to make the best possible use of the scarce grants available, which is a major challenge. An in-depth analysis of how the project risks and quality of the promoter are perceived may provide insight into possible future directions for high-impact financial engineering. (authors)