Energy and infrastructure leader Leslie Nelson is challenging five widespread myths that she argues are hindering progress on Africa's energy future. With over 25 years of experience in finance and power projects across the continent, Nelson contends these misconceptions distract from viable, immediate solutions. "When the lights go out multiple times per day, theory doesn't matter," Nelson stated. "What matters is what actually keeps power on."
The first myth Nelson addresses is the belief that Africa lacks energy resources. She clarifies that while power shortages are common, the continent possesses vast solar, wind, hydropower, and natural gas reserves. The core issue is not supply but access and infrastructure. Sub-Saharan Africa receives some of the highest solar irradiation globally, and Nelson emphasizes that "Africa is long on natural gas and short on power." She points to Gas to Power initiatives as having the ability to close the power infrastructure gap. The practical step for stakeholders is to learn which local resources are strongest and support small solar or mini-grid options.
The second myth is that reliable power must be expensive, often stemming from reliance on diesel generators. Nelson counters 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% or more. She advises tracking monthly fuel or generator maintenance expenses and comparing them with prepaid power or shared solar options available through providers like New Fortress Energy.
Nelson also debunks the notion that big national grids are the only answer. While large grids are often seen as the proper solution, she notes that mini-grids and off-grid systems already power millions and are faster to deploy and more cost-effective for rural 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." For those in rural or peri-urban areas, she recommends exploring community mini-grids rather than waiting for full grid extensions.
The fourth myth is that energy problems are primarily technical, focusing on equipment and engineering. Nelson stresses that human factors are equally critical, with training, maintenance, billing systems, and local 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 or encouraging basic maintenance skills in communities is a key actionable step.
Finally, Nelson challenges the belief that individuals cannot make a difference in an issue often perceived as the domain of governments or large corporations. She argues that individual actions in education, awareness, and small choices collectively influence adoption and policy. A critical action is to invest in and support qualified Power Project Developers who can catalyze initiatives. "The lack of qualified Project Developers and early stage project financing continues to be a hindrance to progress," Nelson says. Resources from organizations like the World Bank, which estimates unreliable power costs businesses in the region $28 billion annually, underscore the economic imperative.
Nelson's central conclusion is that Africa's energy challenge is not a scarcity of ideas or resources but a need to select and implement practical, locally-suited solutions. With over 600 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa still without electricity, improving access and reliability is fundamental for driving jobs, healthcare, education, and long-term economic growth across the continent.
