How to Achieve Universal Access to Electricity in Sub‑Saharan Africa by the End of the Decade
Despite significant progress, nearly 600 million Africans still lack access to electricity. In recent years, hundreds of millions of people have gained access to this essential service, yet major advances are still required. In some countries, such as Senegal or Côte d’Ivoire, universal access by around 2030 is a realistic prospect. In others, given physical, political, and technical constraints, this goal will certainly take longer to achieve.
Experts generally consider that progress in electrification will rely on several complementary approaches:
- In large urban areas and surrounding regions, expansion of national grids will play a central role.
- In regions with lower population density, solar‑based mini‑grids, possibly supplemented by fossil backup, are likely to become the preferred solution.
- In small villages, standalone solar systems could provide a minimum level of electricity access for local populations.
It is clear that new power plants will be needed: solar plants, hydroelectric plants where feasible, and above all gas‑fired power plants when domestic resources are available.
The Case of Yakaar Teranga
Numerous gas discoveries have been made off the coasts of Senegal and Mauritania over the past decade. The GTA (Grand Tortue Ahmeyim) field, which entered production last year and produces around 2.5 million tonnes of LNG per year, is an excellent example of technical success and cooperation between the Senegalese and Mauritanian governments. Over time, this field should also deliver 300 billion cubic meters of gas to both countries. In Senegal, part of this gas will supply a power plant near Saint‑Louis, in Gandon.
The next objective of the Senegalese government is to bring the Yakaar Teranga field into production, with priority given to supplying power plants in the Dakar region. BP, Kosmos, and Petrosen were initially partners in the project, but BP withdrew in 2023, slowing progress toward production.
The Senegalese government now appears to be considering nationalizing the field to support electricity generation, fertilizer production, and energy supply for local industries.
Yakaar Teranga’s reserves are substantial (around 25 TCF) and could easily meet these three needs. However, the required investment is significant—several billion dollars. Gas demand in Senegal will grow rapidly, potentially rising from 1–2 billion cubic meters per year to several billion more within a few years. Yet it is uncertain whether domestic demand alone would be sufficient to make the project economically viable. Export options will likely be necessary, either through a pipeline to Europe—which could also collect gas from Mauritania’s large Bir Allah field—or through LNG exports, though this would face strong competition from U.S. and Qatari gas.
Other Key Factors
Achieving universal access to electricity will also require:
- Massive investment in infrastructure to expand and modernize grids and reach isolated rural areas
- Promotion of renewable energy
- Regulatory and institutional reforms
- Training and development of local expertise
- Affordable tariffs and targeted subsidy mechanisms
- Regional cooperation and international partnerships
Universal Access to Electricity is close in a number of countries
Jean-Pierre Favennec
Président
Association pour
le Développement
de l'Énergie en Afrique
