Nearly half of Africa’s population still lacks access to electricity, a central issue raised at the 22nd Annual Conference and General Assembly of the African Forum for Utility Regulators (AFUR) in Swakopmund this week.

Addressing delegates at the official opening on Monday (23 March), Tjama Tjivikua, Vice Chairperson of the Namibia’s Electricity Control Board (ECB) Board of Directors, said Africa faces “a fast-growing population of 1,5 billion inhabitants with roughly 600 to 685 million people or 46% mainly in rural areas lacking access to electricity”. He added that this represents “over 80% of the overall energy access gap primarily in sub-Saharan Africa”.

The conference, hosted by ECB, has drawn more than 200 delegates from across the continent to discuss regulation in sectors including energy, water, sanitation, transport and maritime services.

There was also acknowledgement from within the sector that regulatory systems and operators have not kept pace with developments. AFUR Chairperson Honoré Demenou Tapamo said the organisation’s focus on technological advances stems from “the acute awareness of the backwardness suffered by a large number of our operators and regulators”.

“We found ourselves at a crossroad where technology is no longer an option but a necessity,” he said, adding that innovations such as artificial intelligence and big data could be used “to optimize demand forecasting and grid stability” and “bridge the gap in service delivery”.

The conference theme focuses on the role of emerging technologies, with discussions expected on artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, digital transformation, cybersecurity and data systems.

Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy Modestus Amutse told delegates that such technologies are already reshaping the sector.

“They are here, and they are transforming service delivery,” he said.

Amutse said Africa must ensure “that innovation does not widen inequalities, but instead strengthens resilience and expands access for all”, adding that regulators should deliver “actionable strategies for integrating emerging technology into utility regulations”.

“For many, access to reliable electricity still determines whether a child can study at night or whether a clinic can save lives," he noted.

The gathering also comes more than two decades after AFUR was established in 2002, prompting calls for reflection on progress made.

“After 22 years of Africans meeting, I think we have matured in what we are doing,” Erongo Governor Nathalia /Goagoses told delegates. “I hope this conference would not again start from the beginning.”

She said it is “time to tell the continent what is good, how far have we gone, how ready are we as Africans, as far as the energy provision and supply is concerned”.

ECB Chief Executive Officer and AFUR Vice Chairperson Robert Kahimise said the forum continues to play a role in continental development through its partnership with the African Union.

“AFUR’s partnership with the African Union has been instrumental in advancing Africa’s Agenda 2063 goals,” he said.

He added that the forum contributes to “policy frameworks [and] regulatory best practices that support Africa’s socioeconomic development” and facilitates “knowledge sharing and capacity building for utility regulators”.

Earlier, ECB Acting Head of Public Relations and Stakeholder Engagement Esau Mbako said the conference would explore “critical issues affecting energy, water, sanitation, transport and maritime services across our continent”.

He said the theme reflects “the transformative role of AI, IoT, digital transformation and other emerging technologies in shaping Africa’s utility sectors”.

Speakers emphasised that regulation remains central to development outcomes. Amutse said regulators “ensure reliable, affordable, and safe services, thereby enabling businesses to grow, creating jobs and economic opportunities, schools to provide quality education, and hospitals to deliver critical health care services”.

He urged regulators to “stay agile and adaptable in a rapidly changing landscape, prioritize cybersecurity and data protection, foster collaboration and knowledge sharing… [and] balance innovation with inclusivity and accessibility”.

The conference continues throughout the week, with sessions focused on digital transformation, infrastructure resilience and expanding access to essential services across Africa.