Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management, has emphasized the need for a reliable power supply in Africa to sustain economic growth and support businesses and critical services. According to Walid Sheta, President of Schneider Electric's Middle East and Africa, dependable power is essential for the continent's development. He made this statement in a report titled 'Africa Does Not Have an Electricity Problem. It Has a Reliability Problem.' This call to action highlights the challenges faced by African countries in ensuring a stable electricity supply.
Despite progress in increasing access to electricity, about 53% of Sub-Saharan Africa still lacks reliable power, with over 560 million people without electricity. However, the actual challenge is more significant, as many households, businesses, and public institutions connected to the grid experience frequent power outages. Health facilities, schools, and factories are among the institutions affected by these interruptions, with some businesses forced to rely on diesel generators in addition to their grid connections. This situation underscores the need for a reliable power supply to support critical services and economic activities.
The importance of reliable electricity cannot be overstated, particularly as African economies continue to grow amid rising costs of fuel, fertilizer, shipping, and food. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the region grew by 4.5% in 2025, the fastest pace in a decade, with 10 economies growing above 6%. Countries such as Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Uganda are among the fastest-growing in the world. This growth has been achieved through reform, but it is now facing challenges from rising imported costs.
The rising costs of imported goods pose a significant threat to Africa's economic growth. The IMF estimates that a 20% increase in international food prices could push more than 20 million people in the region into moderate or severe food insecurity. Reliable electricity is critical to activities such as irrigation, refrigeration, milling, and cold storage, which support food production and distribution. Therefore, a stable power supply is essential to mitigate the impact of rising costs and ensure food security.
Schneider Electric cites examples of successful initiatives to improve electricity reliability. For instance, Ikeja Electric in Lagos reduced grid system downtime by about 33% through a phased digitization of its distribution network. This example demonstrates how automation and digital technologies can improve the performance of existing electricity infrastructure. By leveraging such technologies, African countries can enhance the reliability of their power supply and support economic growth.
The challenges facing Africa's power supply are complex and multifaceted. However, with the right strategies and investments, it is possible to improve the reliability of electricity supply. Schneider Electric's call to action highlights the need for a concerted effort to address this critical issue. By prioritizing reliable power supply, African countries can sustain economic growth, support businesses and critical services, and improve the overall quality of life for their citizens.
In conclusion, reliable power supply is critical to Africa's economic growth and development. As the continent continues to grow, it is essential to prioritize investments in electricity infrastructure and leverage technologies to improve the performance of existing grids. With a stable power supply, African countries can mitigate the impact of rising costs, ensure food security, and create a brighter future for their citizens.
Key points
- Reliable power supply is essential for Africa's economic growth and development.
- 53% of Sub-Saharan Africa lacks reliable power, with over 560 million people without electricity.
- Automation and digital technologies can improve the performance of existing electricity infrastructure.
