Policy Framework for the Promotion of Digital Technology in Mini-grid Sector in Sub-Saharan Africa. The case of Blockchain Technology

Abstract

The seventh United Nations Development Goals consists in ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. However, currently, only 44% of the population in Sub-Saharan Africa has access to electricity and 573 million inhabitants in the region are living without this basic need, most importantly those living in rural area. In order to address those challenges, decentralized energy systems harnessed from local available energy resources has been identified as one of the most promising approach. However, the low purchasing power of the population in rural areas makes difficult the investment in minigrid sector. Therefore, the present research aims at analysing in what extent the study and improvement in the policy and regulation around digital technology and mini-grid sector can promote the implementation of peer-to-peer energy trading enhanced by blockchain in SubSaharan Africa? The thesis addressed four specific objectives, first to review the current situation on digital technology, blockchain and Peer-to-peer energy trading in Sub-Saharan Africa with conducting a SWOT analysis of their implementation status in the region. Secondly, result of diagnostic assessment of policy and regulation framework in relation to blockchain and peer-to-peer market in SSA is presented, then conceptual modelling for policy and regulations around blockchain and P2P energy trading in SSA is proposed. The work presents the validation of the solution proposed through a practical study in Kenya which is more advanced in terms of digital technology and presents favorable context to launch this idea in Africa. The thesis presents also recommendations and future outlook for further research.