Energy and infrastructure leader Leslie Nelson, drawing on more than 25 years of experience across finance and power projects in Africa, is challenging five common myths that she argues mislead stakeholders and hinder progress on the continent's energy development. Nelson, who has held senior roles at GE Angola, GE Ghana, GE Africa, and New Fortress Energy, states these misconceptions slow practical advancement and distract from viable solutions.
The first myth Nelson addresses is the belief that Africa lacks energy resources. She counters that power shortages stem from access and infrastructure issues, not supply. Africa possesses vast solar, wind, hydropower, and natural gas reserves, with Sub-Saharan Africa receiving some of the world's highest solar irradiation. "The problem isn't potential," Nelson says. "It's turning potential into working systems." She suggests individuals learn about local resources and explore small solar or mini-grid options.
The second myth is that reliable power must be expensive. Nelson points out that reliance on diesel generators, which can cost 2–3 times more per unit of energy than grid or solar power, perpetuates this belief. Replacing diesel with solar or gas can reduce costs by 40% or more. She advises tracking monthly fuel or generator maintenance expenses and comparing them with prepaid power or shared solar alternatives.
Nelson also disputes the notion that big national grids are the only solution. While large grids are often seen as the "proper" approach, mini-grids and off-grid systems already power millions and are faster and cheaper to deploy, especially in rural areas. "It's not about building the biggest thing," Nelson notes. "It's about building the thing that works. Connecting these mini grids will be the secret sauce to success."
The fourth myth is that energy problems are mainly technical. Nelson emphasizes that human factors—training, maintenance, billing systems, and local buy-in—are equally critical. "I've seen good projects fail because no one was trained to develop them, finance them and run them," she said. "People matter as much as machines." Supporting local training programs or encouraging maintenance skills can help sustain systems.
Finally, Nelson challenges the idea that individuals cannot make a difference, arguing that energy is not solely a government or corporate issue. Individual actions, such as sharing information, mentoring, or supporting local initiatives, collectively influence adoption and policy. She highlights the need to invest in and support Power Project Developers to accelerate progress, stating, "The lack of qualified Project Developers and early stage project financing continues to be a hindrance to progress."
Nelson's overarching message is that Africa's energy challenge is not a shortage of ideas or resources but a need for practical, locally suited solutions and immediate action. This is crucial given that over 600 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa lack electricity, and unreliable power costs businesses an estimated $28 billion annually, according to the World Bank, impacting jobs, healthcare, education, and growth.
