Devex: Power Africa: Deals or development? 5 questions for the U.S. government
Dahlia Rockowitz, policy adviser at American Jewish World Service

“…[M]issing among all the data-driven discussions of megawatts and connections, feasibility and financial closure, are concrete projections on how this increased energy access [from Power Africa] will help African citizens — particularly the poorest people, who have either little or no access to affordable, reliable electricity. … Implicit in all of these initiatives [focused on energy access] is the assumption that more energy will improve lives. But without the proper planning, implementation, and oversight, we need to ask whether these efforts really foster thoughtful and beneficial development — or simply more business deals? … With the Electrify Africa Act headed to Obama’s desk for his signature, now is the time for the U.S. government and Power Africa partners to roll up their sleeves and tackle these critical questions…” (2/8).