A new report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) and its international partners has revealed that despite steady progress in expanding access to electricity, over 666 million people around the world still live without basic power. The report, published on Wednesday, underscores the challenges that remain in achieving universal energy access by 2030, a central target under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
According to the report, nearly 92 percent of the global population now has some form of electricity access, marking significant improvement compared to previous years. However, the pace of expansion remains too slow to meet international development targets within the next five years. Regional disparities remain stark, with sub-Saharan Africa accounting for the vast majority of those without reliable electricity.
The report highlights that approximately 85 percent of people without electricity access live in sub-Saharan Africa. The situation is further complicated by a parallel crisis in access to clean cooking solutions. An estimated 1.5 billion people, primarily in rural and low-income areas, continue to rely on unsafe and polluting fuels such as firewood and charcoal for cooking. This practice not only contributes to environmental degradation but also poses serious health risks, particularly for women and children.
Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), expressed concern over the sluggish progress in expanding energy access, especially in African nations. “Despite progress in some parts of the world, the expansion of electricity and clean cooking access remains disappointingly slow, especially in Africa,” Birol stated. He emphasized that bridging the energy gap requires concerted global action and targeted investment. A critical factor hindering progress is the lack of adequate and affordable financing for energy projects in developing countries.
While the report notes that international public financial flows supporting clean energy have increased since 2022, the level of funding remains well below what is needed. Alarmingly, financial support provided to developing countries in 2023 was significantly lower than the levels recorded in 2016. The report calls for enhanced international cooperation to address these gaps. It stresses the need for stronger collaboration between governments, private investors, and development organizations to mobilize resources and implement large-scale energy projects.
Particular emphasis is placed on sub-Saharan Africa, where millions remain trapped in energy poverty. As the 2030 deadline for achieving universal energy access approaches, global leaders face mounting pressure to accelerate efforts. The report underscores that without immediate and coordinated action, the world risks falling short of one of its most critical sustainable development objectives. – By MENA Newswire News Desk.