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Network Decentralization and the Politics of Electrification in Africa

In: Political Economy of Electricity Access in Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Ishmael Ackah

    (Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration/Energy for Growth Hub)

  • Franky B. A. Kogueda

    (Economics and Management Research Group [GREG], University of Douala/Faculty of Economics and Applied Management)

  • Maame Esi Eshun

    (Public Utilities Regulatory Commission)

  • John Abdulai Jinapor

    (Ministry of Energy and Green Transition)

  • Richard Gyan-Mensah

    (Ministry of Energy and Green Transition)

  • Salamatu Issah

    (Ministry of Energy and Green Transition)

  • Ephraim Atuborah

    (Public Utilities Regulatory Commission)

  • Sylvester Yiadom Agyei Boachie

    (Ministry of Energy and Green Transition)

Abstract

This chapter explores how network decentralization and political ideology influence rural electrification outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Despite ongoing efforts, SSA still has the lowest global electrification rates, with rural areas being most affected. Using panel data from 40 countries from 2000 to 2023, we evaluate how decentralized electricity supply, government ideology, and key governance indicators predict changes in rural electricity access. Applying a Tobit Post-Double-Selection LASSO framework, the analysis shows that decentralized off-grid generation significantly boosts rural electrification, especially in West and East Africa where supportive regulations allow for wider deployment. Government ideology also plays a role: left-leaning governments tend to improve rural access through redistributive and pro-poor electrification policies, while right-leaning governments perform better in regions with strong regulatory and market-driven systems, such as Southern and East Africa. Institutional quality, particularly corruption control, political stability, and the design of lifeline tariffs, further influence these effects. The results emphasize the importance of combining decentralized energy solutions with governance frameworks adapted to each country’s political and institutional context. This study offers a new empirical contribution to understanding the political economy of electrification in SSA and provides policy directions for speeding up universal access.

Suggested Citation

  • Ishmael Ackah & Franky B. A. Kogueda & Maame Esi Eshun & John Abdulai Jinapor & Richard Gyan-Mensah & Salamatu Issah & Ephraim Atuborah & Sylvester Yiadom Agyei Boachie, 2026. "Network Decentralization and the Politics of Electrification in Africa," Advances in African Economic, Social and Political Development, in: Ishmael Ackah & Ivie Ehanmo & Charly Gatete (ed.), Political Economy of Electricity Access in Africa, pages 149-170, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:aaechp:978-3-032-20844-6_6
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-20844-6_6
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • O13 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Agriculture; Natural Resources; Environment; Other Primary Products
    • O18 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Urban, Rural, Regional, and Transportation Analysis; Housing; Infrastructure
    • Q48 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Energy - - - Government Policy
    • H11 - Public Economics - - Structure and Scope of Government - - - Structure and Scope of Government
    • P16 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Capitalist Economies - - - Capitalist Institutions; Welfare State

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