The African Electricity Sector in 2025: The Annual Interview with Abel Didier TELLA, Director General of the Association of Power Utilities of Africa.

In this podcast, Lamine Savadogo interviews Abel Didier Tella, the Director General of the Association of Power Utilities of Africa (APUA). They discuss the progress achieved in the African electricity sector, in the year 2025 including the increase in electricity access rates, the penetration of renewable energy sources, and leveraging domestic financial resources to fund the sector. They also discuss the challenges facing the African power sector, now and in the future,

Did you know that by the end of 2025, Africa reached 285 gigawatts of installed generation capacity? That’s a gamechanger which increases electricity access rates on the continent.

Main Content:
1. The Role of APUA : Abel Didier Tella has over four decades of experience in the power sector, —- spent as Director General of APUA, the continental organization with Under his leadership, APUA unites over 58 utility providers across Africa, focusing on strengthening 58 electric utilities across Africa. Tella emphasizes, “Our mission is to make utilities strong and deliver reliable and affordable electricity to all people in Africa.”

2. Renewable Energy Growth: According to Tella, at the end of 2025, Africa has reached an impressive 285 gigawatts of installed capacity, with over 30% sourced from renewable energy sources. Countries like Egypt are leading the charge, boasting 60 gigawatts of capacity and recently commissioning its first nuclear plant. Morocco’s investments in solar and wind energy showcase the continent’s commitment to diversifying its energy sources.

3. Access to Electricity: Currently, about 1.025 billion people in Africa have access to electricity, with APUA members connecting 147 million service points. Tella notes, “When we look at the average, one connection can serve multiple individuals, suggesting that we are nearing 800 million people connected to the grid. However, we still have approximately 570 million people who lack access.” With Mission 300 we aim to bring an additional 300 million people into the electric fold by 2030.

4. Funding and Investment : The Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is a prime example of successful domestic mobilization financial resources for energy projects. Tella discusses how Ethiopia mobilized local investments, showcasing a model that can be replicated across the continent. He elaborates, “The diaspora can play a critical role in funding infrastructure, not just through institutions but as individual investors.”

5. Industrial Use of Electricity: The conversation shifts to how electricity is being utilized within Africa. Tella highlights that by 2030, Ethiopia aims to have 35% of its grid load allocated to industrial use. This shift is critical for enhancing local production and making African goods competitive in the global market. He states, “The proportion of clean energy used to produce goods is becoming a significant factor in international trade.”

The insights shared by Abel Didier Tella illustrate a pivotal moment for Africa’s electricity landscape. With substantial investments in renewable energy, ambitious goals for electricity access, and innovative funding models, the continent is on a promising trajectory. However, the journey is far from complete, as millions still lack essential electricity access. Key takeaways from this discussion include the importance of local investment, the growth of renewable energy, and the need for continued efforts to connect every African to the power grid.