Contextualizing electricity access in sub-Saharan Africa

This paper presents statistical findings from research focusing on factors that may help explain electricity access levels in emerging countries. It focuses on why SSA countries are lagging behind with regard to the provision of electricity services, despite reforms in the electricity sector. Poverty levels, gross domestic savings, energy-related gross fixed capital formation, rural population and population density are used as independent variables in the econometric analysis. We find that some factors characterizing electricity access levels in SSA countries have a different impact than those in other developing economies. Our results show that the size of rural population plays a more important role in SSA countries than in non-SSA countries. Furthermore, government effectiveness appears to explain more of the variation in electricity levels in SSA countries than in non-SSA countries. The requirements for clear political commitment and leadership with a strong focus on providing electricity access to the rural poor are underscored. © 2012 International Energy Initiative.