The IEA Special Report “Africa Energy Outlook” 2014 was previewed at the Ministerial Conference “Italy-Africa, working together for a sustainable energy future”
15.10.2014
Increasing access to modern forms of energy is crucial to unlocking faster economic and social development in sub‑Saharan Africa, according to the Special Report “Africa Energy Outlook” 2014, the International Energy Agency (IEA) first comprehensive study of the sub-Saharan Africa energy sector. This study was previewed during the Ministerial Conference “Italy-Africa”, dedicated to sustainable energy in sub-Saharan Africa.
Despite many positive efforts, more than 620 million people in sub-Saharan Africa (two-thirds of the population) live without electricity, and nearly 730 million people rely on dangerous, inefficient forms of cooking. Each year nearly 600.000 premature deaths in Africa can be attributed to household air pollution resulting from the traditional use of solid fuels, such as wood and charcoal.
The Africa Energy Outlook finds that increasing access to modern, reliable energy can foster economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa, enabling a major push towards a more self-sustaining model of economic development.
Rome, October 13-14, 2014
For more information