Hydropower and African grid development: a rights based perspective

Many political and economic entities involved in planning Africa´s energy development, specifically hydropower and regional grids, are promoting poverty alleviation and sustainable development as key goals, but utilizing strategies to promote infrastructure that will undermine these goals. Project planning under NEPAD and other bodies continues to lack transparency and civil society participation, resulting in projects that are not meeting the needs of the greater population. A rights-based approach to African grid development would promote people centered decision-making that would ensure human rights are promoted and protected, and equitable and sustainable development occurs.