SADC Energy Access Hits 56%: Regional Leaders Target Grid Integration and Diversification

Staff Reporter

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has reached a regional electricity access average of 56%, outperforming both the East African Community (39%) and ECOWAS (53%). The milestone was announced by SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi during the opening of the 2026 Sustainable Energy Week.

​While celebrating the progress—highlighted by universal access in Mauritius and Seychelles—Mr. Magosi warned that the region remains vulnerable to climate change and infrastructure gaps.
​The Energy Mix: Transitioning from Coal
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The region’s current installed capacity stands at 83,055 MW. However, the energy profile remains heavily dependent on traditional sources, leaving it susceptible to environmental shocks.
​Coal: Dominates the grid at 59%, primarily driven by Botswana, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.
​Hydropower: Accounts for 24%, but recent climate-induced droughts (2024–2025) significantly reduced output.

​Renewables & Gas: Solar, wind, and natural gas have grown from 3% to 12% over the last decade.
​”The climate-related droughts exposed our vulnerability,” Mr. Magosi stated. “Diversifying our energy mix is imperative. We must explore cleaner coal, gas-to-power, nuclear energy, and green hydrogen.”
​Strengthening the Regional Grid ​To combat power shortages and facilitate energy trade, several high-priority interconnectivity projects are underway to link the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP):

These links are essential for “evacuating” power from massive generation schemes, such as the Grand Inga in the DRC and the Baynes Hydropower Project between Namibia and Angola.

​Policy and the Financing Gap ​SADC has made significant strides in governance, with all Member States now possessing national energy regulators.

Furthermore, 11 of the 16 Member States have finalized National Energy Compacts, up from just four a year ago. However, a massive US$18 billion financing gap remains for the Regional Infrastructure Development Master Plan (2023–2027).

To bridge this, the Secretariat is working with UNECA to develop a Framework on Just Energy Transition to attract investment while addressing “energy poverty” and the structural reliance on coal.

​Looking Ahead
​The 2026 summit in Victoria Falls marks the second edition of the Sustainable Energy Week. Following Botswana’s 2025 hosting, the mantle will pass to Eswatini in 2027.

​Mr. Magosi concluded by urging delegates to move beyond dialogue toward accountability, ensuring that regional integration translates into “the industrialization and development our region deserves.”