Critical success factors for private investment in the power sector of Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

The power sector of Sub-Saharan Africa has become a significant consideration for economic growth and meeting the demands for a rapidly growing and urbanising population. This region's power supply deficit has subsequently been a key contributor to lower economic growth witnessed in recent years. With the responsibility, especially form a financing perspective, for the development of power infrastructure moving away from governments to the private sector, it has resulted in a fundamental structural change in this region's power sector. Despite ever increasing involvement from private investors in the development of the power sector, clear directives and guidelines to improve investment success and increased private investment participation in the region have not been adequately defined. In view of addressing the defectiveness of a conclusive framework of the critical success factors for private investment in the power sector of Sub-Saharan Africa, the objective of this research was to formulate a suitable framework to be used by private investors and regulatory bodies alike. This research was strongly underpinned by a comprehensive literature review to outline the framework and its constructs. Furthermore, primary data was collected from respondents who were actively involved in the power sector of Sub-Saharan Africa to expand existing frameworks and considerations by incorporating the insights gained from the respondents. The research has conclusively defined the critical success factors for private investment in the power sector of Sub-Saharan Africa and formulated it into a practical framework. Consensus about these critical success factors suggested that investment performance and participation would improve if these factors are adhered to.