Africa's average electricity rates by select country 2016
The average retail electricity prices in Africa vary widely across the continent from 490 U.S. dollars per megawatt hour in Liberia to 24.4 U.S. dollars per megawatt hour in Ethiopia.
Electricity reliability
Many African countries are trying to expand electricity output, however, those with access to the electricity grid are experiencing more blackouts and brownouts due to shortages in capacity as well as failures along the infrastructure systems. In turn, more consumers and businesses are turning to back-up generators as reliability remains uncertain. However, the use of these generators in daily life tends to be much more expensive than for those who have a more reliable grid connection.
Energy consumption
Energy consumption in Africa is expected to steadily rise, along with other developing markets. However, a large part of the population including the rural and urban poor populations, has limited or no access to electricity. Africa faces a paradox where raising electricity rates will further segregate those with no access, however, without the influx of funds, the industry is unable to improve the necessary infrastructure which would reduce prices.
Electricity reliability
Many African countries are trying to expand electricity output, however, those with access to the electricity grid are experiencing more blackouts and brownouts due to shortages in capacity as well as failures along the infrastructure systems. In turn, more consumers and businesses are turning to back-up generators as reliability remains uncertain. However, the use of these generators in daily life tends to be much more expensive than for those who have a more reliable grid connection.
Energy consumption
Energy consumption in Africa is expected to steadily rise, along with other developing markets. However, a large part of the population including the rural and urban poor populations, has limited or no access to electricity. Africa faces a paradox where raising electricity rates will further segregate those with no access, however, without the influx of funds, the industry is unable to improve the necessary infrastructure which would reduce prices.
