South Africa Electricity Access
Access to electricity as % of population EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS
South Africa's electricity access was 88.46% in 2025, ranked 164th globally. This represents a 0.9% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
South Africa's electricity access stood at 88.46% in 2025, a rise of +0.76pp from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 88.46% by 2025. South Africa ranked 164th globally.
South Africa's electricity access has demonstrated a steady upward trend over the past three decades, with a notable increase from 57.60% in 1996 to 90.00% in 2020. The country's all-time peak in electricity access was achieved in 2020, and although it has receded slightly to 88.46% in 2025, it remains above the initial 1996 figure. South Africa's progress in this area is comparable to that of Eswatini, which has the highest electricity access rate among peer countries, at 90.16%. In contrast, Nicaragua and the Syrian Arab Republic, with rates of 88.84% and 88.24%, respectively, are closely ranked with South Africa. The improvement in electricity access is a significant achievement, given the country's complex energy landscape and infrastructure challenges. However, the slight decline in 2025 suggests that ongoing efforts are needed to maintain momentum and address potential setbacks, such as infrastructure constraints and population growth. Sustained investment in energy infrastructure and policies that promote energy access will be crucial to maintaining South Africa's trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Electricity Access | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 88.65% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 88.46% | - | - |
| 2025 | 88.46% | +0.76pp | #164 |
| 2023 | 87.70% | +1.20pp | #163 |
| 2022 | 86.50% | −2.80pp | #162 |
| 2021 | 89.30% | −0.70pp | #159 |
| 2020 | 90.00% | +5.00pp | #158 |
| 2019 | 85.00% | +0.30pp | #161 |
| 2018 | 84.70% | +0.30pp | #161 |
| 2017 | 84.40% | +0.50pp | #161 |
| 2016 | 83.90% | −1.40pp | #159 |
| 2015 | 85.30% | −0.60pp | #156 |
| 2014 | 85.90% | +0.70pp | #152 |
| 2013 | 85.20% | +0.00pp | #151 |
| 2012 | 85.20% | +1.60pp | #149 |
| 2011 | 83.60% | +0.80pp | #149 |
| 2010 | 82.80% | +0.20pp | #149 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
South Africa matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1994. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw electricity access improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Africa's electricity access was 88.46% in 2025. Ranked 164th globally. This represents a 0.9% increase from the previous year.
South Africa's electricity access peaked at 90.00% in 2020.
The lowest electricity access in South Africa was 57.60% in 1996.
South Africa ranks 164th globally in electricity access as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Africa's electricity access is projected to reach 88.46% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The electricity access of South Africa in 2025 was 88.46%. This ranks 164th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_electricity-access,
title = {South Africa Electricity Access},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/electricity-access/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}