Regional power generation could save Africa $2bn a year

Despite its large hydropower potential, of about 100 000 MW, Africa remained behind all other regions in terms of harnessing this potential, Alavian told the Hydropower Africa conference in Johannesburg.

The continent, with its lack of electricity generation capacity, had a huge power investment requirement.Energy availability in Africa remained pitifully low, while power remained expensive.  This put a brake on the continent's economic growth and competitiveness, said Alavain.