The production and consumption of biofuels (mainly fuelwood) is considerably higher across Africa - 45% of total energy supply (TES) in 2019 - than the world average (9% of TES). This is due to the accessibility of forest resources, a higher proportion of rural inhabitants, and a low GDP per capita that constrains access to alternative fuels. However, the share of biofuels and waste in TES has decreased significantly between 1971 and 2019, partly explained by the recent development of power generation from natural gas. The natural gas share in TES increased steeply from 1% in 1971 to 16% in 2019. Oil demand increased over the period, boosted by transport consumption, and it is now the second fuel consumed in Africa. Oil demand, in particular for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), also increased in the residential sector due to an improved access to new cooking devices for households. 

Total energy supply by fuel in Africa, 1971 and 2019

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