Accelerating Energy Access in Africa: A Pathway to Unlocking Trillions in Growth

Strategic Insights -

Business is booming in Zimbabwe's Marimauta Village, where a solar-powered maize processing machine serves farmers across the region. Meanwhile, young apprentices learn new technical and digital skills. This scene contrasts with 2019, when Cyclone Idai ripped through the area, shutting down power lines and businesses. Today, entrepreneurs like Jacob Mukunukuji, 31, have access to reliable and clean energy, which is crucial for his burgeoning business.

Africa's youth population is growing at an alarming rate, with over 60% of people under 25 years old. According to the UN's Economic Council for Africa, the continent's youth population is expected to grow by 138 million in the next 25 years. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity. With the right investment, Africa can unlock trillions in growth and become a key driver of global economic resilience and clean energy innovation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Africa has the world's fastest growing and youngest population, with over 60% of people under 25 years old.
  • The continent's youth population is expected to grow by 138 million in the next 25 years, according to the UN's Economic Council for Africa.
  • Africa has the potential to create up to 100 million new and improved jobs and livelihoods by 2050, driven by its abundant natural resources and renewable energy potential.
  • Access to electricity, paired with apprenticeships, technical training, and finance, can empower young people to grow businesses and fuel progress across multiple sectors.
  • Initiatives like Mission 300 aim to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030, transforming energy markets, scaling finance, and helping governments set and deliver on national energy goals.
  • The power line that reconnected Jacob's community to electricity was funded by the African Development Bank, while the solar power and cold storage that transformed Blessing's community were enabled by the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) and partners.
  • The training that allowed Hasmia to advance her clean energy career was provided by SEforALL, equipping young energy professionals across Africa to lead sustainable energy development.

Statistics:

  • Over 685 million people worldwide lack access to electricity, with nearly 600 million living in Sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Africa's youth population is expected to grow by 138 million in the next 25 years, according to the UN's Economic Council for Africa.
  • Africa has the potential to create up to 100 million new and improved jobs and livelihoods by 2050, driven by its abundant natural resources and renewable energy potential.
  • Mission 300 aims to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030.
  • 1.5 million people have benefited from the World Bank's Off Grid Solar Access Project, which brought solar mini-grids to power schools, health clinics, and homes.

Sources:

  • UN's Economic Council for Africa
  • World Bank
  • African Development Bank
  • Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL)
  • Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP)
  • The Rockefeller Foundation
  • RF Catalytic Capital
  • Mission 300
  • Off Grid Solar Access Project