STM Article Repository

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) had disproportionate access to electricity compared to all the other
developing regions for the period 2000-2017, ranging between 26% to 45% respectively in its urban
areas and 9% to 23% in its rural areas where about 59% of its population dwell as of 2020
(Population, 2020). Due to relatively lower electrification levels than other regions, SSA is available
with a springboard to leapfrog to renewable energy sources coupled with reducing the carbon
footprint. The chapter determined the generation capacity in Sub-Saharan Africa from 2000 to 2017
compared to the other developing regions of the world and identified the primary sources of energy
generated and the generation’s cost. The chapter discussed the challenges that the SSA’s energy
sector face and the possible solutions to these problems. Finally, this chapter discussed the primary
emissions produced by SSA and how these emissions can be reduced to reverse the adverse effects
of climate change in SSA and the world in line with SDG 7(Access to affordable and clean energy to
all) and SDG 13(Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impact).