A global report released by the WHO and partners indicates that over 655 million people worldwide lack access to electricity, while nearly two billion depend on polluting fuels for cooking. This situation poses significant health risks and exacerbates existing inequalities, highlighting a potential global energy and health crisis.

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.

As global temperatures rise, surface water sources in Africa are becoming increasingly erratic, leading to concerns about water availability. Approximately 400 million people in Africa lack access to basic drinking water services. However, scientists are focusing on mapping and monitoring the continent's groundwater, which is estimated to be 0.66 million cubic kilometers, significantly more than the freshwater in all of Africa's lakes combined, to prepare for future climate challenges.

Johannesburg has taken out a significant loan to address its electricity issues, as the city's power infrastructure and billing systems require urgent improvements. A survey indicated that only 38% of residents were satisfied with their electricity services in 2023/2024, a sharp decline from 77% in 2017/18. The auditor general reported that the city allocated only 1% of its operating budget for maintenance in 2024/25, well below the recommended 8%.

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.