A study tracking 3,139 power plants in Africa reveals that fossil fuels continue to dominate the continent's electricity generation, with only about 57% of the population having access to electricity, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa. To achieve the United Nations goal of universal access to affordable electricity by 2030, rapid expansion of electricity generation is necessary. However, this expansion poses challenges related to water resources and climate change due to greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, particularly coal-fired ones.

A report indicates that while Africa has seen growth in hydropower generation, Nigeria continues to face significant challenges with chronic power shortages, frequent grid failures, and a substantial electricity access deficit, despite having considerable hydropower resources.

The World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have successfully connected over 50 million people to electricity through their Mission 300 initiative, which spans 40 African countries. This effort aims to accelerate electricity access across the continent.

Nigeria's electricity sector may encounter increased supply challenges due to drought conditions induced by El Niño, which threaten hydropower generation throughout West Africa, according to BMI.

Stakeholders in Nigeria's climate, energy, and development sectors are working to launch an 80 million clean cookstoves program. This initiative aims to reduce household air pollution, curb deforestation, expand access to clean energy, and create economic opportunities for millions of Nigerians. The program is being led by Greenplinth Africa Limited under the theme, "Clean Cooking Access."

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.