By Oke Peter
Across Africa, a handful of countries stand out for very high electricity-access rates — a useful (though imperfect) proxy for stable supply infrastructure. Using the most recent publicly available data from reports and surveys, the following ten countries consistently rank among the best in terms of electrification coverage. What unites them is a mix of committed infrastructure investment, diversified energy sources (often including gas or renewables), and policies that prioritise national grid connection.
1. Egypt
At the top of the list is Egypt, where virtually 100% of the population reportedly has electricity access. This near-universal access is the result of long-term grid expansion, a mix of generation sources (hydro, thermal, some renewables), and steady state-level investment in transmission and distribution infrastructure.
2. Morocco
Morocco also reports 100% electrification — rural and urban. The country is aggressively expanding its renewables capacity (especially solar and wind), bolstered by national energy plans that aim to increase the share of renewables significantly.
3. Tunisia
Tunisia matches Egypt and Morocco with 100% national electricity access, both rural and urban areas. Historically reliant on natural gas for generation, Tunisia has also begun policies to include more renewables in its energy mix.
4. Algeria
Algeria reports electricity access just shy of perfect — about 99.8% overall (99.6% rural; 99.9% urban), according to recent assessments by tuko.co.ke – Algeria draws roughly 96% of its electricity from natural gas, with the remaining 4% from a mix of hydropower, solar, wind, and oil. This heavy reliance on gas-fired generation, combined with consistent grid maintenance and expansion, helps ensure stable supply.
5. Garbon
Moving to Central Africa, Gabon stands out among sub-Saharan states — its electricity-access rate is about 91.6% overall, with 98.6% of urban dwellers connected (rural access lags behind at 27.8%). Gabon’s energy mix includes hydropower, natural gas, and, increasingly, plans for sustainable energies under its national “Emergent Policy.” While rural electrification remains a challenge, concentrated urban supply and strategic hydropower use keep urban electricity relatively stable.
6. Ghana
In Ghana, reported access to electricity is around 85.9% (with roughly 94% of urban residents and 74% in rural areas connected) according to recent estimates. According to a report by yen.com.gh – Ghana relies on a mixture of hydropower, thermal (gas and oil) and other thermal generation to meet demand. Over decades of investment under national electrification plans, the country has gradually expanded its grid footprint — particularly around urban and semi-urban zones — which supports fairly reliable supply for much of its population.
7. South Africa
South Africa remains one of Africa’s most structured energy markets. Officially the access rate is around 84.4% of the population (urban access – 88.8%, rural -75.3%) in recent data sets. Despite chronic issues like rolling blackouts and aging infrastructure, the country’s large scale generation capacity (historically coal-based, gradually adding renewables)—alongside regulatory frameworks for electrification — keep it among the more electrified countries.
8. Botswana
Botswana shows moderate overall electricity access — about 72% — with urban connectivity significantly higher (90.7%) but rural rates falling to roughly 26.4% according to some reports. Botswana is pushing toward expanded access through increased use of renewables (wind, solar) and plans for grid extension. The relatively small population and concentrated urban centers help make stable supply more achievable where infrastructure exists.
9. Kenya
In East Africa, Kenya has been frequently noted for making progress: latest data suggests electricity access of around 71%, with 94% urban and about 62.7% rural coverage. Kenya’s energy mix includes hydropower, geothermal, wind, solar, and biomass — a diversified portfolio that helps mitigate risks tied to any single power source. Continued investment in rural electrification and mini-grid development also helps stabilize supply for new grid-connected communities.
10. Senegal
Rounding out the top ten is Senegal, which appears in several assessments among African countries with relatively high electricity access — often quoted around 70% national access. In a recent report by The Standard News Uganda, Senegal has pursued a mix of energy sources: conventional generation combined with growing solar and wind investments as part of efforts to expand and modernize its grid. Urban growth and prioritised grid extension in key population centres support relatively stable supply for a growing share of the population.
