JAILCD2025-026: Regional Disparities and Determinants of Household Energy Consumption in Africa: A Comparative Study of Ethiopia, South Africa, and Egypt

Abstract

With the continuous growth in global energy demand, household end-use energy consumption and its associated carbon emissions have become critical issues in addressing climate change. In African countries, household energy consumption plays a vital role in shaping the energy structure and achieving sustainable development. However, it faces significant challenges, including heavy reliance on traditional energy sources, unequal access to energy, and inadequate infrastructure.

This study reviews household energy consumption patterns and influencing factors in Ethiopia, South Africa, and Egypt, highlighting significant regional differences in energy usage and determinants. In Ethiopia, over 90% of rural households rely on firewood for cooking, with only 3.14% using clean energy sources. A Multivariate Probit (MVP) model was applied to identify key factors affecting energy choices, such as income levels, proximity to markets, and infrastructure availability.

In South Africa, extensive household surveys combined with energy transition theory reveal that electricity access significantly influences fuel choices. Despite achieving over 80% electrification, rural areas still rely heavily on firewood and coal, while low-income households frequently adopt multi-energy usage patterns.

In contrast, urban households in Egypt have achieved near-universal electrification, with natural gas dominating as the primary energy source for cooking and heating. However, rural areas still face disparities in electricity access and energy efficiency.
These findings underscore the necessity of addressing infrastructure limitations, bridging urban-rural gaps, and enhancing energy efficiency to promote modern energy adoption in African countries.