Powering Africa

Hundreds of millions of Africans live without power. Overcoming that energy poverty is one of the biggest challenges facing the continent. Renewables such as wind and hydropower are on the increase. but some innovative and localised solutions will be needed if the continent is to meet its needs in the future. Adam Shaw looks at a number of businesses and entrepreneurs in East Africa which are tapping new sources of fuel from the humble Croton nut to human waste, as well as biogas deep in a Rift Valley lake. Then there are the solar kiosks spreading meeting the needs of Africa's booming mobile generation.