Top West African Countries for Cheap Electricity

Electricity is an essential part of our daily lives, powering homes, businesses, and industries. In West Africa, the cost of electricity varies from country to country, with some nations offering more affordable rates than others. Despite a recent hike in electricity tariffs, Nigeria still ranks among the countries with the cheapest electricity in the region. 

Nigeria – A Case of Affordable Electricity

On April 3, 2024, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) announced an increase in the electricity tariff for Band A category customers (those enjoying up to 20 hours of electricity a day) to N225 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). This 240 percent increase from the previous rate of N66/kWh has sparked concerns among various sectors, leading to a heightened awareness of electricity consumption and the need for efficiency.

Despite this significant increase, Nigeria still maintains one of the lowest electricity tariffs in West Africa. When converted to the US dollar using the exchange rate of N1,330/$, the current electricity tariff in Nigeria stands at $0.20/kWh, according to BusinessDay calculations.

Here are the top West African countries with the most affordable electricity tariffs, providing valuable insights for consumers and businesses alike.

Mali

Mali, the eighth-largest country in Africa, has an electricity tariff of $0.215/kWh. Despite its vast size and landlocked position, Mali’s electricity cost is marginally higher than Nigeria’s, with a differential percentage of about 1164 percent.

Togo

Togo, with a population of approximately 8 million, charges an electricity tariff of $0.215/kWh, similar to Mali. Despite its small size, Togo’s electricity cost is on the higher side compared to Nigeria.

Senegal

Senegal has made significant progress in its power sector, with 70 percent of the population now having access to electricity. The state-owned Senelec oversees the production, distribution, and transmission of power. Senegal’s current electricity tariff is $0.180/kWh, placing it as the third highest in West Africa.

Ghana

Ghana has achieved remarkable progress in its electricity sector, with 85 percent of its population now having access to power. Efforts are ongoing to further increase this figure. The current electricity tariff in Ghana is $0.125/kWh.

Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast, officially known as the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, has undertaken various initiatives to enhance electricity access. Now, over 66 percent of its population enjoys electricity, with a tariff of $0.119/kWh.