World Bank Warns: 600 Million Africans at Risk of Prolonged Power Shortages by 2030

The World Bank has issued a cautionary statement, revealing that approximately 600 million people in Africa face persistent power shortages, anticipating ongoing electricity challenges on the continent by the year 2030.

During an International Development Association (IDA) meeting in Abuja on Thursday, Ms Anna Bjerde, the World Bank Managing Director of Operations, conveyed the organization's concerns. The global financial institution emphasized that the prevailing energy crisis in Africa, compounded by the lingering impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, poses a continuous threat to electricity accessibility for a large segment of the population.

Bjerde underscored the pivotal role of energy access in the engagement with African leaders. She remarked, "Energy access is an excellent example of what can be accomplished. It is also an issue that African leaders have prioritized since 2000, and access to energy has more than doubled across Africa."

Despite notable investments and advancements, Bjerde revealed a disheartening projection: "Close to 600 million Africans are likely to remain without electricity by 2030, with two-thirds of those living in countries currently classified as protected."

In an optimistic tone, she urged collaborative efforts, stating, "Together, we can do better to reach universal electricity access. By the end of the decade, the rate of electricity access growth will be to triple, and the World Bank Group is ready to accompany you on the journey from ambition to reality."

Bjerde also highlighted the World Bank's proactive steps in addressing challenges, citing the expedited deployment of existing cash transfer systems. This initiative provided assistance to over 50 million individuals, equivalent to 10% of Nigeria's initial population.

Reflecting on lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic, Bjerde emphasized the critical importance of a robust delivery system in building resilience for vulnerable nations. Acknowledging the significance of the World Bank's role in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, she stated, "The investments that you have all carried out to build robust delivery and targeting systems mean that more can now be done to help the most vulnerable."

Earlier in the meeting, Wale Edun, Nigeria's Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, highlighted the focus on sustainable economic growth in the country. The discussions encompassed major project financing through concessional funding for West and Central African countries and impoverished nations in general, with a specific emphasis on the International Development Association (IDA). Edun emphasized the discussions covering funding for electricity access, social safety needs, digitization, and broader issues affecting economically disadvantaged countries.