Energy and infrastructure leader Leslie Nelson, drawing on more than 25 years of experience with GE Angola, GE Ghana, GE Africa, and New Fortress Energy, has identified five persistent myths that she argues are misleading stakeholders and slowing progress on Africa's energy challenges. Nelson states these misconceptions distract from practical, workable solutions that could immediately improve power access and reliability for millions.
The first myth Nelson addresses is the belief that Africa lacks energy resources. She counters that power shortages stem from issues of access and infrastructure, not supply. Sub-Saharan Africa receives some of the world's highest solar irradiation, and the continent possesses vast wind, hydropower, and natural gas reserves. Nelson emphasizes that the region is "long on natural gas and short on power," and that gas-to-power initiatives have significant potential to close the infrastructure gap. The practical step she recommends is for individuals and communities to learn about local resources and explore small-scale solar or mini-grid options.
The second myth is that reliable power must be expensive, often reinforced by reliance on diesel generators. Nelson points out that generators can cost two to three times more per unit of energy than grid or solar power. Replacing diesel with solar or gas can reduce costs by 40 percent or more. She advises tracking monthly fuel and maintenance expenses and comparing them with alternatives like prepaid power or shared solar systems.
Nelson challenges the third myth that big national grids are the only viable solution. While large grids are often seen as the "proper" approach, she highlights that mini-grids and off-grid systems already power millions of people. These decentralized solutions are faster to deploy and more cost-effective for rural and peri-urban areas. "It's not about building the biggest thing," Nelson notes. "It's about building the thing that works. Connecting these mini grids will be the secret sauce to success."
The fourth misconception is that energy problems are primarily technical, focusing on equipment and engineering. Nelson argues that human factors are equally critical, with training, maintenance, billing systems, and local community buy-in determining a project's success. "I've seen good projects fail because no one was trained to develop them, finance them and run them," she said. Supporting local training programs and encouraging basic maintenance skills are actionable steps communities can take.
The final myth Nelson debunks is that individuals cannot make a difference in addressing energy issues, which are often perceived as the sole domain of governments and large corporations. She contends that individual actions in education, awareness, and small choices collectively influence adoption and policy. Nelson specifically calls for support and investment in qualified Power Project Developers, stating, "The lack of qualified Project Developers and early stage project financing continues to be a hindrance to progress."
Nelson's analysis arrives amid significant challenges. According to World Bank data cited in the release, over 600 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa still live without electricity, and unreliable power costs businesses an estimated $28 billion annually. The implications of overcoming these myths are substantial, affecting economic growth, job creation, healthcare, and education. By shifting focus from theoretical debates to practical, localized solutions and addressing both technical and human capital gaps, stakeholders can accelerate progress toward a more reliable and accessible energy future for Africa.
