The production of electricity is regarded as a fundamental factor in economic and social development. However, electricity generation in West Africa is fraught with countless challenges that must be addressed through the implementation of a number of effective public policies.
What is the current situation of electricity production in West Africa?
In 2021, the rate of access to electricity in West Africa will be 51.1%, with major disparities between countries in the sub-region. On the other hand, the rate of access to electricity in the region is expected to reach 54% [1] by 2023, thanks to a sharp increase forecast for the same year. Despite this slight increase, significant disparities remain within each Member State, and between urban and rural areas.
What are the factors and challenges involved?
These low electrification rates in the sub-region can be explained by several factors.
Firstly, the dilapidated state of the electricity networks (transmission and distribution networks) is an essential factor to be considered. This results in weak networks and has an impact on electricity production. The electricity network in West Africa needs to be modernized, in particular through the use of new digital technologies to ensure a balance between supply and demand.
Secondly, one of the factors behind this low electrification rate is also due to the problem, or lack of financing in the energy sector. Western countries, which are the main financiers of the energy sector in Africa, have entered an energy transition phase and are gradually turning to renewable energies. This reduction in funding is one of the reasons for the low electrification rate in West Africa. This is the case, for example, with the withdrawal or reduction of financial support for oil projects, ExxonMobil’s Rovuma LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) project in Nigeria, or ExxonMobil’s abandonment of a deepwater oil project in Ghana [2].
In addition to the reduction or abandonment of certain projects that are essential to accelerating the electrification of the sub-region, there is also the problem of delays in certain energy projects due to lack of funding. These delays can be explained not only by the national policies adopted by certain governments in the sub-region, but also by protests from environmental protection associations because of the harmful effects that these projects have on the environment.
It is up to the governments of the sub-region to take appropriate measures to meet the financing needs of energy projects, which are essential to ensure the electrification of populations in both urban and rural areas. Initiatives such as the creation of the African Energy Bank, headquartered in Nigeria, are to be welcomed. This initiative will make it possible to finance energy projects throughout Africa, and in the West African sub-region. We could try to describe this initiative as a source of sovereignty and energy independence for African countries in general and West Africa in particular. However, the main objective of this bank is much more focused on financing fossil fuels. It would also be essential to consider the financing of renewable energy projects to enable the continent, and particularly the West African sub-region, to take the train in hand towards a sustainable energy transition.
Finally, the low rate of electrification in the West African region is also due to the energy governance adopted by the States. Otherwise, the energy market is not liberal enough. Energy in the countries of the sub-region is still a state monopoly. Even if some efforts are being made in this area, it still seems insufficient.
The liberalization of the energy market is indeed an essential element that the governments of the sub-region must consider. The States of the sub-region must put in place mechanisms to encourage end consumers, as well as companies specializing in the energy sector, to be free and develop innovative electrification solutions.
The legal systems put in place by these countries, most notably the concession system, must be limited and must not be applied to certain energy production, particularly in the field of renewable energy. This will encourage private investors to invest in sustainable energy solutions at competitive prices for consumers. Consumers must also participate in their own energy production. In addition to the liberalization of the energy market that the countries of the sub-region must put in place, it is also essential to strengthen regulation of the sector to ensure a balanced market.
Why can electrification be a source of development for the West African sub-region?
Energy is essential to the smooth running of any society. It is present in sectors of activity that are considered essential to the nation. Energy plays a very important role in industry. Running an industry to produce wealth and value requires the use of energy. If industry produces wealth and value, this contributes to economic growth. One of the many problems causing the closure of certain SME is either the high cost of electricity, or a lack of electricity or constant power cuts. The availability of energy is therefore a factor in economic growth.
Energy also plays an essential role in education. The availability of energy means that training centers can be lit, computer equipment can be powered, and laboratories can be set up, all of which are essential for learners. It is also a source of improved living conditions. Energy is also a source of social inclusion and of reducing inequalities between urban and rural areas.
Energy is a real source of development within a nation. The States of the West African sub-region must take appropriate measures to finance energy projects, particularly fossil fuels, and above all renewable energies, accompanied by a strong liberalization of the energy market, not forgetting a strengthening of regulation to ensure the electrification of both urban and rural areas, which is also a factor in the development of the sub-region.
For further informations :
[1] Afrique de l’Ouest : le taux d’accès à l’électricité dans l’espace Cédéao estimé à 54% en 2023
