International energy expert Dr. Johnstone Chikwanda has estimated that approximately $50 billion will be needed to finance interventions that allow Africa to provide access to inexpensive and clean energy to millions of people who currently lack it. This is in line with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7's recommendations.

SDG 7 calls on all nations, particularly those in Africa, to pledge to guarantee universal access to cost-effective, dependable, sustainable, and modern energy for everyone by 2030.

In the same period, it is anticipated that technology will advance and infrastructure will be expanded to provide cutting-edge, environmentally friendly energy services to all developing nations, especially the least developed ones.

According to Mr. Chikwanda, a novel finance strategy, such as an Internet connection charge, must be considered in order to make it feasible given the urgency of connecting the African region and bringing millions of people who lack energy on board.

“If the Western world or perhaps Africa could insert a small levy in the Internet connection or in the mobile telephony communication – as proposed by the late Kofi Annan, within one year or so more than US$50billion could be raised to fund this.

“Other monies have to come from grants and green climate funds; and also note that some bonds can be raised to finance the energy transitions, as well as taxes, direct investments and so on. We are also beginning to see individuals using their own savings, and maybe loan borrowings, to connect themselves to clean energy at the household level,” he said.

Energy experts emphasize that Africa is falling short of its global energy commitments, with most countries on the continent having a mere 13 percent rural electrification rate. Dr. Chikwanda, speaking as part of the 'Africa we want series' organized by PIED Africa, highlighted the extensive repercussions of failing to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7), as it is intertwined with other sustainable development goals.

Dr. Chikwanda pointed out the interdependence of SDGs related to poverty eradication and economic development on electrification. He stressed the importance of adequate energy security for modern economies, the necessity of electricity for quality education services, especially with ICT integration in schools, and the critical role of electricity in achieving the SDG for quality healthcare.

To attain universal connectivity in Africa, Dr. Chikwanda advised following the blueprint adopted by the African Union (AU), which aims to harmonize the numerous regulatory power frameworks existing across the continent, such as the Southern African power pool, East African power pool, North African power pool, Central African power pool, and West African power pool. Harmonizing these frameworks and interconnecting them will facilitate electricity transfer between regions.

The harmonized regulatory framework at both continental and regional levels is expected to pave the way for the creation of an African energy market, encourage private sector involvement in the energy sector, and mobilize the substantial financial and technical resources necessary for providing modern energy access to all.

During a virtual discussion on energy organized by PIED Africa under the theme 'Africa's energy transition and how it can be financed,' Dr. Kelvin Kemm, Chairman of Stratek Global in South Africa, advocated for the exploration and utilization of nuclear power as a means to generate electricity for the African population.