AfDB’s Nwabufo on how to close the energy access gap in Africa

Efforts to expand electricity access in the East African region have been ongoing, but the benefits of increased access to modern and cleaner energy services often do not reach men and women equally. Nana Lily Nwabufo from the African Development Bank (AfDB) recently discussed these disparities in a CNBC Africa interview. She pointed out that determining the extent of the disparities in the energy sector is challenging due to outdated or insufficient official data. Existing data focuses on female employment, decision-making, and energy sources for cooking, which do not provide a comprehensive picture. To address this issue, the AfDB has collaborated with partners to create briefs on gender and sustainable energy to assess countries' capacity to integrate gender into their energy policies. Nwabufo emphasized the need to study women's participation in the energy value chain as entrepreneurs, employees, consumers, and suppliers to ensure accurate data for informed decision-making and policy development. In terms of disparities, Nwabufo highlighted correlations between gender equality indices and energy access, as well as urbanization and energy distribution for women. Countries scoring higher on gender indices tend to have better energy access for women, while urban areas typically have more equitable energy distribution than rural areas. For example, in Tanzania, 35% of the population has electricity access, with a stark urban-rural divide of 68% to 19%. Similar disparities exist in Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Rwanda, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to bridge the gender gap in energy access. The lack of reliable data poses a significant challenge in addressing gender disparities in the energy sector. Nwabufo suggested a multidimensional approach focusing on innovative strategies, policies, legislation, and project design to ensure equitable energy access for men and women. She emphasized the interconnected nature of energy access, socioeconomic development, healthcare, and education, highlighting the transformative potential of expanding clean energy access. By improving access to clean energy, governments can enhance healthcare services, education, and socioeconomic opportunities, thereby contributing to multiple sustainable development goals. Beyond gender disparities, Nwabufo discussed the economic costs associated with limited energy access for women. Access to energy can enhance women's security, mobility, and economic empowerment, leading to improved quality of life and income-generating opportunities. She noted that energy limitations hinder job creation, business development, and access to healthcare and education for both men and women. In Africa, where a higher percentage of women lack access to modern energy solutions compared to the global average, addressing gender disparities in energy access is crucial for promoting inclusive economic growth and social development. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated existing gender disparities in energy access, with governments implementing short-term relief measures that may not specifically target women's needs. While some countries have reduced tariffs or taxes to alleviate financial burdens, sustained efforts are needed to address the long-term impact of the pandemic on energy access. Nwabufo highlighted the importance of collaborative initiatives between governments and development partners like the AfDB to improve energy access, particularly in rural areas. Programs such as the AfDB's Micro-Connectivity Energy Program aim to expand energy access in rural communities and empower women through sustainable energy solutions. In conclusion, bridging gender disparities in energy access requires a concerted effort to collect accurate data, implement targeted interventions, and prioritize women's participation in the energy value chain. By addressing these disparities, East African countries can foster inclusive economic development, improve healthcare and education outcomes, and create opportunities for women's empowerment in the energy sector.