Powering Growth: How Reliable Electricity is Transforming Manufacturing in Sub-Saharan Africa

A recent World Bank study reveals that reliable electricity access significantly boosts the export activities of medium-sized manufacturing firms in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), driving economic growth and structural transformation. The study finds that a 1% increase in electricity access raises the export share by 6.32 percentage points for these firms, highlighting the critical role of reliable infrastructure in enhancing international competitiveness.

In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where power outages are a common challenge, reliable electricity access is proving to be a game-changer for the manufacturing sector. A recent World Bank study titled "Electricity Reliability and Intra-Sectoral Structural Change in Sub-Saharan Africa" sheds light on how dependable electricity is boosting the export capabilities of medium-sized manufacturing firms, thereby driving economic growth and structural transformation.

The Role of Reliable Electricity

Electricity is the lifeblood of modern manufacturing. It powers machinery, lights up workspaces, and ensures the smooth operation of production lines. In SSA, however, the reliability of electricity supply has been a longstanding issue, hampering the productivity and competitiveness of local firms. This new study reveals that addressing this challenge can have profound economic benefits.

The research shows that for medium-sized manufacturing firms, a 1% increase in reliable electricity access raises the export share in total sales by 6.32 percentage points. This significant boost in exports comes at the expense of domestic sales, indicating a strategic shift towards international markets enabled by stable power supply. This phenomenon is referred to as intra-sectoral structural change (ISSC), where firms realign their sales focus due to improvements in infrastructure.

Why Medium-Sized Firms Benefit the Most

Medium-sized firms, defined as those with a workforce between 20 and 99 employees, are in a unique position within the manufacturing sector. They are large enough to have the capacity for significant production volumes but small enough to remain agile and responsive to market changes. These firms stand to gain the most from reliable electricity because it directly enhances their operational efficiency and reduces downtime caused by power outages.

The study finds that reliable electricity not only increases the export share for these firms but also influences their decision to enter export markets. Medium-sized firms with dependable power are more likely to explore and expand into international markets, leveraging their enhanced productivity to compete on a global scale. This effect is more pronounced on the intensive margin, meaning that existing exporters can significantly increase their export volumes with improved electricity reliability.

The Broader Economic Impact

The implications of these findings are far-reaching. By enabling medium-sized firms to boost their export activities, reliable electricity access contributes to broader economic growth. Exports are a vital component of economic development, as they bring in foreign exchange, create jobs, and stimulate domestic industries.

Moreover, the structural transformation driven by increased export activities can lead to more diversified and resilient economies. When firms focus on exports, they often innovate and improve their processes to meet international standards, which can have positive spillover effects on other sectors and the economy as a whole.

Methodology and Key Insights

The World Bank study employs the entropy balancing approach to analyze data from 13,025 manufacturing firms surveyed across 39 SSA countries between 2006 and 2022. This robust methodology ensures that the findings are reliable and applicable across different contexts within the region.

The baseline results highlight the significant impact of reliable electricity on the export share of medium-sized firms. The study carefully matches firms with and without reliable electricity access based on various covariates, such as firm size, use of generators, electricity losses, GDP per capita, and rule of law growth rate. This matching process ensures that the comparisons are fair and that the observed effects are attributable to electricity reliability.

Policy Implications and Recommendations

The study’s findings offer several important insights for policymakers. First and foremost, improving electricity reliability should be a priority to enhance the international competitiveness of medium-sized manufacturing firms. This could involve substantial investments in electricity infrastructure and policies aimed at reducing power outages.

Targeted initiatives to support medium-sized firms in accessing reliable electricity are crucial. For instance, governments can provide incentives for firms to invest in backup power systems or collaborate with private sector partners to upgrade the national grid. Additionally, ensuring that new electricity infrastructure projects prioritize areas with a high concentration of medium-sized firms can maximize the economic benefits.

Policymakers should also consider the broader economic strategies that can complement improved electricity reliability. Supporting human capital development through training programs focused on advanced manufacturing techniques and international trade can help firms fully leverage their enhanced productivity. Furthermore, fostering a business environment that encourages innovation and competitiveness will be key to sustaining the growth momentum driven by reliable electricity.

Looking Ahead: The Path to Sustainable Growth

The World Bank study highlights a critical aspect of economic development in SSA: the importance of reliable infrastructure. While the focus is on electricity, the broader message is clear—investments in infrastructure are foundational to economic growth and structural transformation.

As SSA countries continue to develop, ensuring that infrastructure keeps pace with economic needs will be essential. Reliable electricity is just one piece of the puzzle. Investments in transportation, telecommunications, and water supply are equally important for creating an environment where businesses can thrive.

By prioritizing infrastructure improvements and supporting medium-sized firms, SSA can unlock significant economic potential. The transformation of the manufacturing sector through increased export activities can drive long-term growth, create jobs, and improve living standards across the region.

Conclusion: Empowering the Future

The World Bank’s study on electricity reliability and manufacturing in SSA provides valuable insights into how infrastructure improvements can drive economic development. By focusing on medium-sized firms and their unique potential, policymakers can harness the power of reliable electricity to transform the region’s economic landscape.

Investing in electricity infrastructure, supporting human capital development, and fostering a competitive business environment are crucial steps towards a more prosperous future for SSA. As the region continues to grow, these efforts will ensure that the benefits of development are broadly shared, empowering businesses and communities alike.