A theoretical assessment of the challenges facing power infrastructure development in low-income countries in Sub-Sahara Africa

Abstract

Power infrastructure development is the pillar for every nation’s economic development. The constraints facing the development of energy in the Low-Income Countries (LICs) of Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) have greatly complicated their economic growth. The purpose of the paper is to identify the challenges facing power development in LICs. A confirmatory literature relating to power infrastructure development was undertaken to identify the challenges affecting power development in the LICs of SSA. The factors affecting the investment in power development sector of the LICs were found to be lack of funding, unfavorable policy framework, lack of technological knowledge, low electrification tariffs due to low incomes and lack of preparedness from the government were identified as the major cause of underdevelopment of the power sector in LICs. In order to improve the development of power infrastructure in LICs, favorable policies must be adopted that will bring about active participation of private investment in the energy sector. Likewise, the adoption of the Green-House-Gas (GHG) emission charters must be implemented to attract finance through the Clean Development Mechanisms (CDM) to develop the power infrastructure in these regions. The study contributes to the improvement of power sustainability in the LICs, which will directly improve the economic development, eradicate poverty, and contribute to power development in Africa.