The road to ending energy poverty in SSA

In Sub-Saharan Africa, the issue of job creation and energy poverty continues to be at the forefront of discussions as the region grapples with high unemployment rates and infrastructural challenges that lead to frequent blackouts. CNBC Africa's Eugene Anangwe sat down with Kristina Skierka, Founder and CEO of Power for All, to delve into the opportunities within the renewable energy sector and how it can help combat energy poverty in the region. Power for All is a global campaign focused on ending energy poverty through decentralized renewable energy solutions such as mini-grids and rooftop solar systems. Skierka highlights that renewable energy provides better job opportunities for a diverse range of people, especially women, with statistics showing that nearly a third of jobs in the decentralized renewable sector go to women. Moreover, the sector has proven to be resilient, maintaining employment numbers even during the pandemic crisis. As the world looks towards recovery post-pandemic, Skierka emphasizes the role of renewable energy in building resilience, as energy access remains a crucial need during crises. The pay-as-you-go funding model for rooftop solar systems has transformed energy access, offering a reliable solution for future pandemics. Skierka also addresses the traditional utility wars, advocating for partnerships between centralized utilities and decentralized renewables. Power for All has launched the Utilities 2.0 initiative in Uganda, demonstrating the benefits of collaboration in rapidly increasing energy access and improving overall system performance. Skierka stresses the importance of partnerships with various sectors, including universities, public institutions, private companies, and NGOs, in building an ecosystem to accelerate energy access. She envisions a future where the upcoming generation views renewables as the primary source of energy, highlighting the need for a collective effort to drive the transition towards universal energy access in Sub-Saharan Africa.