Countries with the Cheapest Electricity in Africa 2024

As Africa continues to develop and expand its infrastructure, access to affordable electricity remains a critical factor in driving economic growth and improving living standards. Some countries on the continent have made significant strides in providing cheap and reliable electricity, helping to attract investment and improve the quality of life for their citizens. Here’s a look at the countries with the cheapest electricity in Africa in 2024 and you will not believe #1.

10. Uganda

Cost of electricity: $0.17 per kWh
Uganda has made progress in expanding its electricity generation capacity through investments in hydropower. The government’s energy policies and commitment to renewables have helped lower electricity prices, making power more affordable for both domestic and industrial use. Uganda’s focus on sustainable energy sources like solar and geothermal has also played a role in driving down costs.

9. Zambia

Cost of electricity: $0.16 per kWh
Zambia’s electricity sector is largely driven by its rich hydropower resources, contributing to the country’s affordable energy rates. With the Kariba Dam providing a significant portion of Zambia’s electricity, the country has managed to keep prices relatively low. The government has also taken steps to improve energy efficiency and increase access to electricity in rural areas.

8. Ethiopia

Cost of electricity: $0.14 per kWh
Ethiopia has emerged as one of the leading producers of renewable energy in Africa, with the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) being a key project that has boosted the country’s hydropower capacity. Ethiopia’s investments in green energy have translated into some of the lowest electricity costs on the continent, benefiting both households and businesses. The government's ongoing commitment to energy expansion is expected to further reduce prices in the coming years.

7. Egypt

Cost of electricity: $0.13 per kWh
Egypt’s electricity sector has undergone significant reforms, with the government focusing on expanding both renewable energy and natural gas production. The construction of large-scale solar and wind farms has contributed to the reduction of electricity costs. Egypt’s drive to increase its power generation capacity, including projects like the Benban Solar Park, has helped lower prices for both residential and industrial users.

6. Namibia

Cost of electricity: $0.12 per kWh
Namibia’s electricity is largely derived from hydropower and solar energy, which has helped the country offer relatively cheap electricity rates. The government has encouraged the development of renewable energy projects, which have not only lowered electricity costs but also reduced Namibia’s reliance on imported power. Investments in solar farms are expected to further drive down prices in the near future.

5. Botswana

Cost of electricity: $0.10 per kWh
Botswana has successfully kept its electricity costs low through a mix of coal-powered plants and investments in renewable energy. The country has abundant natural resources, including coal, which has enabled it to produce electricity at competitive rates. In recent years, Botswana has also focused on expanding its solar power capacity, contributing to the affordability of electricity.

4. Tunisia

Cost of electricity: $0.09 per kWh
Tunisia’s energy strategy has been focused on diversification, including significant investments in natural gas, solar, and wind energy. These efforts have resulted in relatively low electricity costs for both residents and businesses. The Tunisian government has also promoted energy efficiency initiatives, further reducing the cost of electricity across the country.

3. Morocco

Cost of electricity: $0.08 per kWh
Morocco’s focus on renewable energy, particularly solar and wind power, has made it a leader in green energy production in Africa. Projects like the Noor Solar Complex, one of the largest solar power plants in the world, have helped bring down electricity prices significantly. Morocco’s goal of generating over half of its electricity from renewables by 2030 is expected to continue lowering prices while providing sustainable energy.

2. South Africa

Cost of electricity: $0.07 per kWh
Despite facing challenges in its power sector, South Africa has managed to keep electricity prices relatively low compared to other African nations. The country’s electricity is primarily generated from coal-fired plants, but there has been a growing shift towards renewable energy projects, including wind and solar farms. South Africa's efforts to modernize its electricity infrastructure are likely to reduce prices further in the coming years.

1. Algeria

Cost of electricity: $0.04 per kWh
Algeria offers the cheapest electricity in Africa, thanks to its abundant natural gas reserves, which the country uses to generate a significant portion of its electricity. The government heavily subsidizes energy prices, ensuring that electricity remains affordable for both residential and industrial consumers. Algeria has also begun investing in renewable energy sources to complement its natural gas production, ensuring a steady supply of low-cost power.

Conclusion

As Africa continues to develop, countries like Algeria, South Africa, and Morocco are leading the charge in providing cheap electricity to their citizens and industries. With increasing investments in renewable energy and infrastructure improvements, electricity prices in many African countries are expected to continue to decrease, promoting economic growth and improving the quality of life.