Spatial and temporal patterns of energy aid and poverty in four African countries: Focusing on distributive and recognition justice

Abstract

Energy poverty and unequal access to electricity are critical issues in African countries, underscoring the importance of understanding energy aid, a significant determinant, and its allocation. This study employs a framework of energy justice to investigate the spatial-temporal patterns of energy aid and the Multidimensional Energy Poverty Index (MEPI) over two decades (2001–2020) in four African countries: Nigeria, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. We first explore the realm of distributive justice by scrutinizing where energy aid concentrates. Then, to tackle the domain of recognition justice, we analyze whether regions in need have benefited from energy aid through a comparison of regional MEPI and aid spending. The results indicate that energy aid is focused toward capital cities or urbanized areas, and analogous patterns are evident in electricity distribution and renewable energy sectors. The persistence of such patterns results in a temporal continuum of regional energy imbalances, with many marginalized groups not receiving sufficient aid. These findings highlight the importance of considering spatial and temporal aspects in pursuing energy justice while advocating for an equitable aid allocation to ensure an energy-just world.