The U.S.-Africa Energy Ministers Conference, entitled “A Partnership for the 21st Century,” was convened in Tucson this month to promote cooperation in pursuing efficient, environmentally sound, and secure energy markets. In support of this conference, the Energy Information Administration compiled Energy in Africa, a compendium of energy and energy-related facts and statistics from a variety of government, nonprofit, and private sources, covering 54 countries on the continent and nearby islands and presented under seven headings:

Africa in a World Context

Population characteristics, economy, energy consumption and production, and carbon emissions in Africa and the world, among other topics. Includes data on energy intensity, which reveal that in 1997 Africa consumed around 26,300 Btu of commercial energy per dollar of GDP, nearly double the world average of 13,600 Btu per dollar. On the other hand, African per-capita energy consumption is far below the world average.

Energy Use, Economy and Carbon Emissions

Energy-related information about five regions of the continent (North Africa, East Africa, Southern Africa, Central Africa, and West Africa) and prominent countries underscores the diversity among African countries and their varied energy supplies and needs.

Energy Statistics

Country-specific energy data. Africa is a major net exporter of energy, largely because of Nigeria, Algeria, Libya, South Africa, Egypt, Gabon, and Congo. No African country is a significant net importer of energy.

Oil and Gas

Production, consumption, and trade of oil and gas by sector and by country. Privatization of production, refining, and distribution is described in Equatorial Guinea, Congo, Rwanda, Morocco, South Africa, Malawi, Cote d’Ivoire, and Benin.

Electricity

Numerous development projects to expand generating capacity. Growing demand throughout Africa has fostered the interconnection of Africa’s various electricity grids.

Trade and Cooperation

Regional trade groups functioning within Africa and with non-African countries. In 1993, African trade (excluding fuel exports) accounted for only 2 to 3 percent of world trade. Despite efforts at integration and promotion, intra-African trade flows remain modest.

Environment and Renewable Energy in Africa

Major environmental challenges, especially the use of biomass energy. Biomass accounts for as much as two-thirds of total African energy consumption. The use of wood, the most common biomass energy source, contributes heavily to deforestation, one of Africa’s most pressing environmental problems.

Energy in Africa, DOE/EIA-0633; 96 pages, 10 tables, 34 figures, 15 maps.

Questions about the report's content should be directed to:

Lowell Feld, Office of Energy Markets and End Use

lowell.feld@eia.doe.gov

Phone: (202) 586-9502

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URL: http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/plugs/plafrica.html
File last modified: December 17, 1999