In the Central African Republic, repeated power outages are taking a toll on the economy especially for small-scale businesses that rely heavily on electricity for daily operations. From tailors to frozen goods vendors, many entrepreneurs are struggling to stay afloat. But authorities say efforts are underway to restore stable supply and improve infrastructure.
In Bangui and other major towns, darkness has become part of daily life. Power cuts sometimes lasting for days are hitting small businesses hard.The country’s main energy supplier, ENERCA, says aging infrastructure and limited generation capacity are part of the problem. Currently, only around 8% of the population has access to electricity at one of the lowest rates in the world. But the government is taking steps. With support from international partners like the World Bank and the African Development Bank, a new energy revitalization plan has been launched. It includes rehabilitating hydroelectric plants, expanding the grid, and exploring solar energy solutions.
Unfortunately, due to a lack of energy, two or three years ago we were unable to meet demand and cover all the training courses we wanted to, but now with the generator we are running two or three courses a week, sometimes up to four or five courses, so that shows you that there has been an improvement and that there are partners who care about this.
DEYA ABAZENE PORTIA, President, Federation of Women Entrepreneurs
In late 2023, C.A.R. opened a new 25 megawatt solar park connected to a 30-megawatt-hour electricity storage system in the village of Danzi, just 18 kilometres from Bangui.This was expected to boost the already available national power production capacity to solve the crisis, but this is taking longer than expected. Meanwhile, local entrepreneurs remain hopeful that promised reforms will translate into real change and light at the end of the tunnel.
The head of the company that produces fruit juices nationally had a production of 100 to 150 bottles per day because of electricity problems last year. This year, given the demand, all the training, all the information and all the support she has received, she is now producing double or even triple that amount. We are already at 420 bottles a day, so you can see that turnover has increased.
DEYA ABAZENE PORTIA, President, Federation of Women Entrepreneurs
Authorities report that , As the Central African Republic works to stabilize its energy sector, small businesses continue to show resilience. But lasting impact will depend on how quickly the reforms translate into reliable electricity for all.
