Why is Africa still struggling with power shortages?

The answer to every problem in Africa is leadership. Of course, what more can blind leaders do better than produce darkness? Apparently, the impact of power epilepsy on economy and development, are less important to its leaders than looting national treasuries to save for their 20th generation.

Simply because our currupt politician did not want to invest in their countries,but to rather take our resources to the western countries.shame on them.

Power generaion projects cost big money and are therefore opportunity for big kick-backs. The culprits range from politicians to local activists. If each project ends up costing twice as much as it should have because of bribes and disruptions caused by local politics, we end up with half the capacity we paid for.

Saboteurs, enemy of progress, inept leaders, maladministration and ourselves (Africans) are to blame for not having constant power supply. There is an African proverb that says; the pest that is consuming the vegetable is with the vegetables. We are all to be blamed. Billions has been invested in power supply but the government still allows importation of generators. Supply and demand. CHIKENA.

Africa will continue to struggle until there is selfless service, sense of community, brotherhood, spirit of development, women's right, value for education and above all, GOOD LEADERSHIP. Hopefully people like John Atta Mills of Ghana, Goodluck of Nigeria etc can start from the grassroot. May God help Africa and may "ourselves help Africa".

Probably best for businesses to get together in industrial parks and have their own generating facilities to ensure reliability. Ethiopia is building a series of massive hydroelectric dams, so maybe one day power shortages will not be so much of a problem in Eastern Africa.

To say that power shortage is Africa's bain to development would be an understatement. Every conceivable modern day conveniences, economic and social development depend on a regular and steady supply of power. From factories, businesses, hospitals, schools, to residences, even traffic lights etc. 1 of 2

Lack of regular power supply hinder water purification and its supply to homes, factories or wherever it is neeeded. The list goes on. Nigeria, like most African countries lack regular power supply followed by poor roads. With regular power supply and good roads, African countries will compete with any country in the industrialized world. 2 of 2

What precisely does the BBC expect from this debate? Suggestions that we can't yet work out why our crooked, incompetent rulers can't generate electricity? Or arguments to the effect that power shortages are good for development? What a silly topic for debate!

Very simple. Poor planning. Politicians can not plan for anything but their own re-election. Especially in Africa where failure to be re-elected means unemployment.

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