Despite significant improvements in social and economic development over recent decades, Sub-Saharan Africa remains home to hundreds of millions of people who lack access to clean water, nutritious food and reliable electricity. Only 4% of the region’s arable land is irrigated; well-below the global average of around 20%. The region also has the world’s lowest rate of electricity access, at only 32% across rural areas (in 2018). At the same time, Sub-Saharan Africa is richly endowed with solar energy resources.
Home Africa Water Week: Securing the untapped potential of Sub-Saharan Africa’s groundwater resources for sustainable solar water pumping