Central African Republic’s electricity access rose to 18.2% of population in 2024.

Higher is better. A higher share is better because every extra point means more people can light a home, charge a phone, keep food cold or run a small workshop. The latest figure for 2024 is 18.2% of population, up 0.6 percentage points from 17.6% a year earlier. Since 2015 the series has ranged from a low of 12.7% of population to a high of 18.2% of population, so the latest reading is the highest in that span. Progress has been steady over that time.

Why it matters. With 18.2% of population connected, roughly four in five people in the Central African Republic rely on firewood, kerosene, torches or neighbours for light and power. Shops, clinics and schools outside the connected areas have to run on costly generators or go without. The state faces a long task in extending supply beyond the few places already served, and at 0.6 percentage points a year the pace is slow.