The Imperative of Overcoming Energy Poverty in Africa:
an Action Plan

e-Parliament Energy Hearings
Kenya, 18-19 November, 2006
Paivi Koljonen, World Bank
Africa lags behind on energy access because of country and donor constraints
500+ million in sub-Saharan Africa lack access to electricity
GovernmentsÕ limited will and capacity to roll out access programs
Sub-optimal policies, regulation and planning
Operational limitations: weak capacity
Inadequate donor response
Ad hoc interventions, driven by donor priorities
Financing inadequate and unpredictable

The near-term crisis compounds the challenge
Electricity supply shortages reducing GDP growth by up to 4% p.a.
Natural causes such as drought
High oil prices
Degraded systems emerging from conflict
In parallel with long-term response, a package of measures over 3-4 year timeline needed
Emergency generation measures
Rehabilitate systems & improve management efficiency

An Action Plan for Energy Access in Africa
Increase coverage for enterprises & households via electrification programs
Enhance generation capacity, including via regional projects
Provision of energy services for key public facilities such as schools and clinics
Equip unconnected households with affordable, modern lighting
Push for cleaner, sustainable cooking & heating technologies

Success will require effective partnershipsÉ
É realized via a flexible Òsector syndicationÓ approach
We now need to move forward on several fronts
Build donor support for the new approach
Demonstrate country ownership & commitment
Address the near-term crisis
Start work on the sector syndications, emphasising regional integration

Summary
ÔBusiness-as-usualÕ ® Africa will continue to lag behind in energy access
A higher level of commitment from donors and countries, working together, is needed
ÔSector syndicationÕ: a flexible approach to scaling up, building on rigorous sector plans
Need to contain the near-term crisis in parallel

  The Imperative of Overcoming Energy Poverty in Africa:
an Action Plan

e-Parliament Energy Hearings
Kenya, 18-19 November, 2006
Paivi Koljonen, World Bank