Africa's most populous nations rely on a diverse mix of power sources to power their economies and sustain their growing populations. Despite being endowed with abundant natural resources, most countries in Africa struggle to generate enough power to meet the electricity demands of their growing populations.

From hydropower in Ethiopia to natural gas in Nigeria and coal in South Africa, the continent's energy landscape reflects both its vast natural resources and the challenges of expanding electricity access. While some countries are making significant strides toward renewable energy, others still depend heavily on fossil fuels.

A report by Our World in Data – Electricity Mix reveals that globally, just over one-third of electricity generation comes from low-carbon sources. However, some countries rely almost entirely on fossil-free energy. In Africa, fossil fuels (gas and coal) still play a major role, but there is a growing shift toward renewables like hydropower and geothermal energy for long-term sustainability.

Countries choose their primary energy sources based on resource availability, leveraging what is naturally abundant. For example, Nigeria relies on gas, while Ethiopia and DR Congo utilize hydropower. South Africa, on the other hand, relies heavily on coal, which poses challenges in transitioning to cleaner energy. Kenya uniquely relies on geothermal energy due to its favorable geography.

A closer examination of the energy sectors in Africa's high-population countries reveals distinct trends and patterns. Gas-rich countries like Nigeria, Egypt, and Algeria rely heavily on natural gas for electricity generation. In contrast, hydropower dominates in countries with abundant river systems, such as Ethiopia, DR Congo, and Uganda.

Government policies and energy security drive efforts to reduce imports and enhance self-sufficiency by prioritizing local energy resources. Addressing energy gaps and increasing power generation capacity will require significant investment in infrastructure, technology, and human capacity. Moreover, it will require a concerted effort from governments, private sector players, and civil society organizations to promote sustainable energy development and reduce the continent's dependence on fossil fuels.

The table below presents Africa's most populous nations and their primary energy sources:

In conclusion, Africa's energy landscape is characterized by diversity, with each country leveraging its unique natural resources to generate power. While there are challenges to overcome, the shift toward renewable energy sources and sustainable development is crucial for the continent's long-term growth and prosperity.