ENERGY ACCESS AND ENERGY SUPPLY IN AFRICA: CHALLENGES, PROGRESS, AND SUSTAINABLE PATHWAYS

Africa faces a significant energy paradox. It has some of the world's fastest-growing economies and abundant renewable resources, yet over 600 million people do not have electricity, and nearly 900 million depend on harmful solid fuels for cooking. This article looks at the current situation of energy access and supply across the continent. It identifies main obstacles, infrastructure issues, funding shortages, inconsistent policies, and governance challenges. It also reviews recent advancements in extending the grid, developing mini-grids, and implementing off-grid solar solutions. Using a mix of literature review and secondary data from the International Energy Agency (IEA), World Bank, and African Development Bank, the article includes tables comparing electrification rates, generation capacity, renewable potential, and investment flows. The findings indicate that while Sub-Saharan Africa has made slight progress (increasing from 33% electrification in 2010 to 48% in 2022), large gaps remain between urban (84%) and rural (29%) areas. Decentralized renewable solutions, especially solar home systems and mini-grids, now provide service to over 20 million households. The discussion emphasizes that dependence on fossil fuels continues in Southern and North Africa, whereas East and West Africa are at the forefront of off-grid advances. Recommendations include coordinated energy planning, regional power partnerships, risk-reducing financing options, and focused clean cooking initiatives. Without significant changes, Africa will fail to meet Sustainable Development Goal 7 (affordable and clean energy) by 2030.