Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
According to the latest Tracking SDG 7: The Energy Progress Report from the World Health Organization, approximately 655 million people worldwide still lack electricity, with over 560 million in Sub-Saharan Africa. Around two billion people continue to rely on polluting fuels and technologies for cooking, impacting health and wellbeing. The region also has 970 million people lacking access to clean cooking solutions, and progress in electrification has slowed significantly.
The report highlights that while most global regions are nearing universal energy access, Sub-Saharan Africa must triple its current electrification rate to achieve universal access by 2030. Despite these challenges, renewable energy capacity has grown significantly, now comprising more than 30% of global electricity consumption. Renewable energy generation capacity has reached a record 544 watts per person globally.
International public finance for clean energy in developing countries rose slightly to US$24.6 billion, and global energy efficiency continues to improve. However, the current improvement rate of 3.76 megajoules per US dollar is insufficient to meet Sustainable Development Goal 7. The report warns that without urgent, scaled-up action, the goal of affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy access by 2030 will not be met.
Distributed renewable energy solutions, such as off-grid solar power and mini-grids, are highlighted as cost-effective options, already delivering electricity to hundreds of millions. Clean cooking solutions like electric cooking, bioethanol, and biogas are gaining traction as they diversify cooking energy sources. However, affordability remains a significant barrier, with many households unable to pay connection fees or basic energy costs, even where infrastructure exists.
The report concludes that targeted subsidies, innovative financing mechanisms, and least-cost electrification strategies are vital to ensure populations are not left behind. Ongoing financing constraints continue to hinder progress toward universal energy access.