Energy and infrastructure leader Leslie Nelson, who previously served as a senior executive at GE Angola, GE Ghana, GE Africa and New Fortress Energy, is calling out five common myths that continue to mislead individuals, businesses, and communities about Africa's energy future. Drawing on more than 25 years of hands-on experience across finance and power projects, Nelson says these myths slow progress and distract from practical solutions that already work.
“When the lights go out multiple times per day, theory doesn't matter,” Nelson said in a recent interview. “What matters is what actually keeps power on.”
Below are the five myths—and what to do instead.
Myth 1: Africa lacks energy resources
Why people believe it: Power shortages are common, so many assume resources are scarce.
The reality: Africa has vast solar, wind, hydropower, and natural gas reserves. The issue is access and infrastructure, not supply. Sub-Saharan Africa receives some of the highest solar irradiation in the world. Indeed Africa is long on natural gas and short on power. Gas to Power has the ability to close the power infrastructure power gap in SSA.
What you can do now: Learn which local resources are strongest where you live. Support or explore small solar or mini-grid options for homes, schools, or shops.
“The problem isn't potential,” Nelson says. “It's turning potential into working systems.”
Myth 2: Reliable power must be expensive
Why people believe it: Many rely on diesel generators, which cost more over time.
The reality: Generators can cost 2–3 times more per unit of energy than grid or solar power. Replacing diesel with solar or gas can cut costs by 40% or more.
What you can do now: Track monthly spend on fuel or generator maintenance. Compare it with prepaid power or shared solar options.
Myth 3: Big national grids are the only answer
Why people believe it: Large grids feel like the “proper” solution.
The reality: Mini-grids and off-grid systems already power millions. They are faster to deploy and cheaper for rural areas.
What you can do now: If you're in a rural or peri-urban area, look into community mini-grids or shared systems rather than waiting for a full grid extension.
“It's not about building the biggest thing,” Nelson notes. “It's about building the thing that works. Connecting these mini grids will be the secret sauce to success.”
Myth 4: Energy problems are mainly technical
Why people believe it: Power discussions often focus on equipment and engineering.
The reality: Human factors matter just as much. Training, maintenance, billing systems, and local buy-in determine success.
What you can do now: Support local training programmes or encourage basic maintenance skills in your community to keep systems running.
“I've seen good projects fail because no one was trained to develop them, finance them and run them,” Nelson said. “People matter as much as machines.”
Myth 5: Individuals can't make a difference
Why people believe it: Energy feels like a government or corporate issue.
The reality: Individual actions add up. Education, awareness, and small choices influence adoption and policy.
What you can do now: Share reliable information, mentor a student, or support a local energy or education initiative. Invest and support Power Project Developers who have the skills to catalyse and accelerate the timing of these initiatives.
“The lack of qualified Project Developers and early stage project financing continues to be a hindrance to progress,” Nelson says.
If you only remember one thing: Africa's energy challenge is not a lack of ideas or resources. It's about choosing practical solutions that fit local needs and acting on them now.
