Energy and infrastructure leader Leslie Nelson, a former senior executive at GE Angola, GE Ghana, GE Africa, and New Fortress Energy, is calling out five pervasive myths that she says are hindering progress in Africa's energy sector. Drawing on over 25 years of experience in finance and power projects across the continent, Nelson argues that these misconceptions distract from actionable solutions that can improve energy access and reliability.
Myth 1: Africa lacks energy resources. Despite widespread power shortages, Nelson points out that Africa possesses abundant solar, wind, hydropower, and natural gas reserves. The real challenge is access and infrastructure, not supply. Sub-Saharan Africa receives some of the highest solar irradiation globally, and the region is rich in natural gas. Converting gas to power can close the infrastructure gap, she says. Nelson advises individuals to explore local resources and support small solar or mini-grid options.
Myth 2: Reliable power must be expensive. Many rely on diesel generators, which Nelson notes can cost two to three times more per unit of energy than grid or solar power. Replacing diesel with solar or gas can cut costs by 40% or more. She encourages tracking fuel expenses and comparing them with prepaid or shared solar alternatives.
Myth 3: Big national grids are the only answer. While large grids may seem like the proper solution, mini-grids and off-grid systems already power millions of people. They are faster to deploy and more cost-effective for rural areas. Nelson emphasizes that connecting these mini-grids will be crucial for success, rather than waiting for full grid extensions.
Myth 4: Energy problems are mainly technical. Although equipment and engineering are important, human factors such as training, maintenance, billing systems, and local buy-in are equally critical. Nelson notes that good projects often fail due to a lack of trained personnel. She urges support for local training programmes and basic maintenance skills.
Myth 5: Individuals can't make a difference. Energy may seem like a government or corporate issue, but Nelson argues that individual actions add up. Education, awareness, and small choices influence adoption and policy. She suggests sharing reliable information, mentoring students, or supporting local energy and education initiatives. She also highlights the need for qualified project developers and early-stage financing to accelerate progress.
Nelson concludes that Africa's energy challenge is not about a lack of ideas or resources but about choosing practical solutions that fit local needs and acting on them now. With over 600 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa still lacking electricity and unreliable power costing businesses an estimated $28 billion annually, according to the World Bank, improving access and reliability is essential for jobs, healthcare, education, and long-term growth.
