Electricity Access by Country (% of Population) 2024

Electricity access is a fundamental driver of development, shaping education, healthcare, communication, and economic opportunities. While many nations enjoy near-universal access to electricity, others struggle with significant disparities, leaving millions in energy poverty. Understanding global electricity access highlights where progress is being made and where challenges persist.

This article examines electricity access by country, shedding light on the countries with the least access and showcasing a full global dataset. By analyzing this data, we can better understand the barriers to electricity access and identify strategies for achieving universal energy coverage.

Top 10 Countries with the Least Electricity Access

1. South Sudan: 8.4%
2. Burundi: 10.3%
3. Chad: 11.7%
4. Malawi: 14.0%
5. Central African Republic: 15.7%
6. Papua New Guinea: 19.0%
7. Burkina Faso: 19.5%
8. Niger: 19.5%
9. DR Congo: 21.5%
10. Sierra Leone: 29.4%

These countries face significant challenges in expanding electricity access due to factors like inadequate infrastructure, political instability, and economic constraints. For instance, South Sudan, with the lowest access at just 8.4%, struggles with conflict and underdeveloped energy infrastructure. Similarly, landlocked nations such as Chad and Niger experience logistical hurdles in extending power grids. Expanding renewable energy solutions, such as off-grid solar, is emerging as a promising strategy for improving access in these regions.

Full Table (Source: Our World in Data, 2021)

Bridging the Gap: Challenges and Solutions

Electricity access disparities highlight a pressing need for sustainable solutions. While urban centers in many developing countries often have higher access rates, rural areas remain underserved due to the high costs of grid extension and maintenance. Innovative approaches, such as decentralized energy systems and renewable energy technologies, are proving effective in bridging this gap.

• Decentralized Systems: Off-grid solutions, such as solar-powered mini-grids and home solar kits, are bringing electricity to remote communities at a fraction of the cost of traditional grid expansion. Countries like Kenya and Rwanda are leading examples of how this approach can transform rural energy access.
• International Collaboration: Initiatives like the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) are driving global efforts to ensure universal electricity access by 2030. Partnerships between governments, NGOs, and private companies play a critical role in funding and implementing these projects.

The Importance of Electricity Access for Development

Access to electricity is directly linked to improvements in quality of life. It enables children to study after dark, improves access to modern healthcare, and powers communication technologies essential for education and business. Countries with limited electricity access often experience slower economic growth, highlighting the importance of targeted investments in energy infrastructure.

Investing in electricity access is not just a moral imperative but also an economic opportunity. Nations with improved energy access often see substantial economic returns, as electrified communities contribute to local industries and services. Ensuring that every individual has access to electricity is a key step toward reducing global inequality and fostering sustainable development.

Source

• Share of the population with access to electricity – Our World In Data