Obama's electricity plan good for Africa

US President Barack Obama’s move to sign into law the ‘African Electricity initiative’ is a noble action that will see millions of people living in sub-Saharan Africa access electricity.

The Electrify Africa Act, which was unanimously passed by the House of Representatives and Senate, seeks to make electricity available to 50 million people in Africa.

Electricity provision in this 21st century is essential in all sectors including education, health and security.

The initiative that is to see an addition of 20,000 megawatts of power to Africa’s electricity grid, will play a major role in raising the living standards of people.

It will also see improved academic performance by students at school since most of them are forced to study using unsafe kerosene lamps for their studies.

Provision of electricity will enable them to study for longer hours and in a comfortable way since the electricity supplied will provide clean energy.

Lastly, businesses will grow steadily once the project materialises.

The people of Africa should therefore welcome Obama’s move aimed at taking Africa’s development to greater heights.