Powering Up Western and Central Africa

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Powering Up Western and Central Africa

Access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy is not only a lifeline for people, but also an imperative to transform the continent. Here are some game changing projects that are making a real difference in powering the economies of the region.

Results That Transform Lives and Economies

For many people in West and Central Africa, the absence of access to electricity or frequent power cuts are part of everyday life and create a bottleneck for economic activity.

Currently, more than 220 million people in the region—close to half the population—have no access to electricity, limiting their ability to operate businesses, generate income or receive adequate education and health services.

Access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy is not only a lifeline for people, but also an imperative to transform the continent.

Here are some game changing projects that are making a real difference in powering the economies of the region:

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In Depth

Energy Sector

Energy is at the heart of development. Energy makes possible the investments, innovations, and new industries that are the engines of jobs, inclusive growth, and shared prosperity for entire economies.

World Bank Energy
ESMAP
Tracking SDG7
Energy-related Projects

World Bank's projects focused on energy transmission, distribution and renewables in Western and Central Africa.

All AFW Projects
Documents & Reports on Energy

Learn more about the challenges and possible solutions to energy distribution and development in Western and Central Africa from the world Bank's research and publications.

Documents & Reports

HIGHLIGHTS

Let’s Power up Africa

Spoken Word: Ghanaian Poet Nora Anyidoho on Access to Electricity

Listen to Ghanaian poet Nora Anyidoho as she passionately supports the mission to bring electricity to the millions of people without power in Sub-Saharan Africa. Be part of this important effort to create a brighter tomorrow for all.
Watch the video
Blog

Lighting Up Africa: Nigeria Can Show the Way

In Nigeria alone, more than 4 out of 10 Nigerians are deprived of electricity. Nigeria, an economic powerhouse with huge solar potential, has the largest electricity access deficit in the world. A shocking reality for a country beaming with energy.
Read more
Danzi: Largest Solar Power Plant in Central Africa

The second season of People First Podcast begins with a new episode dedicated to the Danzi solar park, the largest solar power plant in Central Africa.
Listen (in French)
Report

The Energy Progress Report

The report provides with a global dashboard to register progress on energy access, energy efficiency, renewable energy and international cooperation to advance SDG 7.
read more
Report

Scaling Up to Phase Down

The World Bank framework “Scaling Up to Phase Down” maps out steps to support developing countries, with the help of development partners, to scale up affordable, secure, and reliable clean energy and phase down coal-fired electricity generation.
read more