Briefing Paper

Challenges of Energy Poverty in Sub Saharan Africa

“This study analyzed the determinants of electricity access in developing countries and, particularly examined why Sub Saharan Africa has been relatively unsuccessful in providing electricity to its population, despite reforms in the electricity sector. The results indicate that the factors underlying electricity access in developing countries have a different impact in Sub Saharan Africa. Specifically, the marginal benefit from increased gross domestic savings is less in Sub Saharan Africa suggesting that a higher savings rate lead to higher levels of electrification in non Sub Saharan Africa than Sub Sahara African countries.”