William Ruto: 1 Billion Africans Lack Access To Clean Cooking Energy, 600m Have No Electricity

• President William Ruto expressed concern about the widespread energy poverty
• Ruto said nearly 600 million people lack access to electricity, and another 150 million have unreliable power
• He said that Africa has the potential to achieve universal energy access by 2030, citing Kenya as an example of what is possible

Nairobi - President William Ruto has shared worrying details about access to electricity and clean energy in Africa.

Ruto disclosed that energy poverty is still widespread in Africa, with around 600 million Africans lacking electricity connections.

"Industrial energy at scale is therefore necessary to anchor energy demand, as a means of tackling the widespread energy poverty still prevalent across the continent.

The numbers are stark: nearly 600 million Africans lack access to electricity, another 150 million grapple with unreliable power, and almost a billion have no access to clean cooking energy," Ruto told delegates at the Africa Climate Summit.

Efficient climate financing

Looking at a long-term goal, Ruto said there will be enormous possibilities with the emergence of new technologies and efficient climate financing.

"But the abundance of our renewable resources, the possibilities offered by new technologies and opportunities created by new climate financing offer enormous possibilities. We can provide reliable and cost-effective energy access to all Africans by 2030," he explained.

Citing Kenya as an example, the president said the country is on the right track to achieving renewable energy by 2040.

"Kenya serves as a good example of what is possible. Our national grid currently operates at 3 gigawatts, with 92% of that power being renewable. Our ambition is audacious yet achievable: 100% renewable by 2030 and a 100 Giga Watt grid, entirely renewable, by 2040," he said.

The head of state was making his inaugural speech at the Africa Climate Summit at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Nairobi.

William Ruto champions race to electric vehicles

Ruto said the continent was rich in mineral resources to power green energy solutions.

Speaking during the official launch of the inaugural Africa Climate Summit and Africa Climate Week 2023, Ruto said the continent stands to earn up to $7 trillion from electric vehicle manufacturing.