Publication date: August 2021
Author: NREAs
Description: The East African region has been recognised as a prime location for solar energy growth as it experiences very high levels of solar irradiation (1500 - 3000 kWh/m2/year) throughout the whole year. However, in terms of energy access, the region has the highest share of un-electrified populations in the continent. With the population of East Africa standing at 177 million people, it is estimated that about 82 million people living in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania do not have electricity access . Less than a quarter of the regional population (about 44 million People) have access. Kenya stands at 56%, Uganda at 42.6%, Rwanda at 59.7%, and with Tanzania at 36%. Burundi is one of the least electrified countries globally, with only 7% access. It is noteworthy that access is mostly skewed to more economically empowered persons in the region. Even those that are privileged enough to have access, most often experience a service that is unreliable and expensive. The unreliable and expensive grid electricity are the main drivers for the scale up and development of solar energy systems in the region.
