DATA from the The World Bank, in its report Tracking SDG 7: The Energy Progress Report, has revealed a severe global electricity access deficit, with 76% of the world’s unconnected population concentrated in just 20 countries, 18 of which are in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Nigeria (86.8 million), the Democratic Republic of Congo (79.6 million), and Ethiopia (56.4 million) collectively account for over one-third of the global access deficit.
South Sudan, Chad, and Burundi have the lowest national access rates—5% and 12% respectively.
The challenge is predominantly rural, with 84% of those without electricity living in rural areas.
While off-grid solar solutions reached 561 million people in 2023, most still receive fewer than eight hours of electricity per day for basic needs. This underscores the need for urgent, targeted initiatives to accelerate electrification, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa.
This aligns with SDG 7, which calls for universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all by 2030.
