The energy charter treaty (ECT) is a decoy: East African Community (EAC) countries should desist from acceding to it

Abstract

Access to energy is a crucial element in the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Energy access for all is one of the key drivers of inclusive growth as it creates opportunities for women, youths, and children both in urban and rural areas. However, according to the African Development Bank, over 640 million Africans have no access to energy, corresponding to an electricity access rate for African countries of only 40 percent, the lowest in the world. Per capita consumption of energy in sub-Saharan Africa (excluding South Africa) is only 180 kWh.