Regional Power Access Reaches One of This Continent’s Highest Levels

Southern Africa has reached one of the continent’s highest electricity access rates, with 56% of people now connected to power across the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

“Electricity access in the SADC Region shows progress alongside persistent gaps,” said Elias Magosi, Executive Secretary of the Southern African Development Community. “We must continue intensifying efforts to expand electricity access through innovative financing mechanisms and diversified technological approaches.”

Installed generation capacity across the region has grown to 83,055 megawatts, while 11 of the bloc’s 16 countries have adopted national energy compacts to expand electricity access and scale off-grid solutions. Major projects such as the Malawi–Mozambique interconnector, expected to be completed in 2026, and the Tanzania–Zambia interconnector, planned for 2028, are strengthening regional power networks and helping extend reliable electricity to millions more households.