Abstract: The problem of energy poverty is widespread worldwide, and the African continent, especially sub-Saharan Africa, is the hardest hit area, not to mention its economic poverty. This paper uses energy data from the DHS Program and the Multidimensional Energy Poverty Index (MEPI) to assess and analyze energy poverty in 35 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The results show that energy poverty is widespread in these countries and is difficult to get rid of, resulting in an “energy poverty trap”. This paper also finds that the increase in GDP per capita is conducive to alleviating energy poverty, but there is heterogeneity of energy poverty among different countries, and there is no unified per capita GDP threshold that can completely eliminate energy poverty. In addition, this paper verifies the existence of a “resource curse” phenomenon in resource-intensive countries and fuel stacking effect of household energy choice. Based on the analysis of energy poverty in sub-Saharan African countries, the paper proposes to achieve energy poverty reduction through industrialization, strengthening regional integration, and ensuring reliable energy supply in the region through grid interconnection and power cooperation. International energy cooperation should also be strengthened.

Key words: energy poverty, Sub-Sahara Africa, GDP per capita