Millions of people in Africa can be lifted out of poverty and the sustainable development potential of the continent realized sooner with smart public policies.
     That’s the conclusion of a new report by the UN’s Environment Programme (UNEP).
Jocelyne Sambira reports.
     Half the population in sub-Saharan Africa could still be without electricity by 2030, unless the continent adopts smarter public policies, according to a new report by UNEP.
     Some 1.3 billion people worldwide have no access to electricity – and 45 per cent of those live in Africa. Yet the Continent has abundant renewable resources, the agency adds.
     To meet Africa’s growing demands, experts estimate that the power sector in Africa will need to install around 7,000 megawatts (MW) of new generation capacity each year.
     UNEP released its new report to coincide with the Africa launch of the United Nations 2012 International Year of Sustainable Energy for all.