Half of Southern Africa Still Lacks Access to Clean Energy, Experts Warn

Nearly half of Southern Africa’s population still lacks access to clean energy, experts warn, urging stronger regional cooperation and investment to meet the UN’s 2030 universal energy goal (image source)

HARARE — Despite ambitious regional energy plans, nearly 200 million people in Southern Africa still lack access to clean and modern energy services, according to the Southern African Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (SACREEE). The figure represents 50% of the region’s population, underscoring the urgent need for inclusive energy policies and infrastructure investment.

“Energy access is not just a development issue — it’s a human rights issue,” said Kudakwashe Ndhlukula, SACREEE Executive Director, during the launch of the SADC 2026 Sustainable Week.

Southern Africa’s energy landscape is marked by stark disparities. While urban centres enjoy relatively stable electricity, rural communities remain heavily reliant on biomass, kerosene, and charcoal, which pose both health and environmental risks. “Transmission constraints and affordability remain major barriers,” Ndhlukula added.

The region’s average energy access rate hovers around 50%, with countries like Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Mozambique lagging behind South Africa and Namibia. Experts warn that without targeted interventions, the gap will widen, especially as population growth continues to outpace infrastructure development.

The Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2025, endorsed by South Africa’s government and supported by utilities such as Eskom and NECSA, aims to diversify the energy mix and expand access through renewables, nuclear, and battery storage. However, implementation across borders remains uneven.

“We need harmonised frameworks and shared investment strategies,” said Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, South Africa’s Minister of Electricity and Energy.

The South African Renewable Energy Masterplan (SAREM), approved in April 2025, outlines a roadmap for clean power expansion, including green hydrogen and industrial value chains, but regional coordination remains in its infancy.

Zimbabwe has made strides in solar energy deployment, with rural electrification projects supported by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and private sector players. Yet, grid instability and limited financing continue to hamper progress.

“Solar is viable, but we need better incentives and technical support,” said Tinashe Mudzviti, an energy entrepreneur in Mutoko.

The government is exploring partnerships with SACREEE and the African Development Bank (AfDB) to scale up mini-grid systems and off-grid solutions, particularly in remote areas.

Experts say achieving universal energy access by 2030 — a key UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 7) — will require bold policy reforms, regional cooperation, and greater private sector engagement.

“Clean energy is the foundation of economic growth and climate resilience,” said Ndhlukula. “We must act now.”