By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Across Africa, a handful of countries consistently stand out for high electricity access rates, driven by sustained investment in infrastructure, diversified energy sources, and policies prioritising national grid connection.
While access rates reflect overall availability, disparities between urban and rural areas persist.
Egypt tops the continent, reporting virtually 100% electricity access. Steady investment in transmission and distribution infrastructure, combined with a mix of hydro, thermal, and natural gas generation, underpins the nation’s near-universal coverage.
Morocco matches Egypt with 100% electrification nationwide, including rural communities. The country’s ambitious renewable energy expansion, particularly in solar and wind, has been central to this achievement.
Tunisia also records 100% electricity access. Historically reliant on natural gas, Tunisia is now integrating renewables to bolster sustainability and energy security.
Algeria follows closely with 99.8% access. The country combines natural gas generation with consistent grid maintenance and expansion, delivering a highly stable electricity supply to most of its population.
Gabon in Central Africa reports 91.6% electricity access overall, with urban coverage near 99%. Hydropower and natural gas form the backbone of Gabon’s energy mix, though rural connectivity remains limited.
Ghana achieves around 85.9% national access. Urban and semi-urban areas enjoy higher connectivity (approx. 94%), supported by a mix of hydropower, thermal generation, and other sources developed over decades of grid expansion.
South Africa maintains structured energy markets with access at 84.4%. Despite ageing infrastructure and load-shedding challenges, its combination of large-scale generation and regulatory frameworks sustains one of the continent’s most electrified populations.
Botswana records moderate overall access at 72%, with urban connectivity at around 91%. Efforts to expand electricity reach include grid extension and increased reliance on wind and solar power.
Kenya has made significant progress in East Africa, achieving approximately 71% electricity access. The nation’s energy portfolio is highly diversified, including geothermal, hydropower, wind, and solar, helping to mitigate supply risks while rural electrification continues.
Senegal rounds out the top ten with around 70% national access. The country combines conventional generation with growing solar and wind projects, focusing on grid extension in key population centres to stabilise supply for a larger share of its population.