Keith Katyora, Head of Power Systems at the Energy Council of South Africa, warns that Africa’s energy transition may falter as renewable generation outpaces grid expansion. Spending on transmission accounts for less than 15% of power investment, far below the global average of 40%, according to the IEA.
The African Development Bank projects the continent’s power sector will need $454 billion by 2030, with the AfDB and World Bank launching a $1.3 billion fund in 2024 to boost regional interconnections.
South Africa’s Independent Transmission Program (ITP) seeks private investment to build 14,200 km of new lines by 2035. Strengthened grids would cut Africa’s 15% energy losses, ensure renewable electricity reaches consumers, enhance profitability for clean-energy investors, and accelerate progress toward universal energy access.
