According to Moneyweb, recent electricity price hikes are significantly impacting families, pushing them further into financial difficulties. The focus has shifted from issues of load shedding to the increasing costs of electricity, which are becoming unaffordable for many households.

Despite a reduction in load shedding and fewer power cuts in South Africa, electricity bills are increasing. This rise in costs is attributed to significant tariff increases approved by the National Energy Regulator, leading to confusion among consumers about why prices are climbing when the power supply is more stable.

The Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Dr Abba Aliyu, stated that mini-grids have evolved from simple rural electrification projects into a commercially viable model for electricity delivery in Nigeria. This shift is expected to help de-risk the country's power sector and attract significant private investment, as reported by Vanguard.

In South Africa, 47% of the population faces energy poverty, spending a significant portion of their income on inadequate electricity. The situation is worsening due to the growth of informal settlements, exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. A study focused on the Qandu Qandu settlement examines the impact of a basic solar grant on providing cheaper electricity, raising questions about the viability of solar mini-grids as a solution for those leaving the traditional electricity network.

Lagos State has established the Independent System Operator (LAISO) to oversee the state's electricity market and enhance the reliability of power supply, as part of its new Electr initiative. This move aims to improve the management of electricity distribution in the region.

The government has allocated Sh1.8 billion for the 2026/27 Financial Year to enhance electricity connectivity in Kericho County, benefiting approximately 17,500 households through the rural electrification programme. This announcement was made during the launch of the Kenya Power Last Mile Connectivity Programme (LMCP) projects in Soin/Sigowet Constituency.