Energy Poverty and Gendered Inequities in African Communities: A Review of Health Impacts and Policy Gaps

Abstract

Energy poverty remains one of the most widespread structural barriers to human development across sub-Saharan and North Africa. Its impact is not experienced equally across society, but rather disproportionately borne by women and girls, influenced by deeply rooted gender inequalities and societal division of energy-related domestic tasks into women's domain in most African societies. This review focuses on the African continent and draws on peer-reviewed studies, multilateral agency reports, and policy documents, primarily from 2015 to 2026. The aim is to critically review, from a gender perspective, the nature of energy poverty in Africa. Specific aims are to: (1) describe the burden and distribution of energy poverty by region in Africa; (2) capture health outcomes of gendered exposure to energy; (3) explore structural and governance drivers of the gender-energy nexus; (4) critically question policy actions and highlight persistent gaps in design and (5) identify gaps in evidence base. A narrative review design was used. The literature was collected from four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar), as well as grey literature from the WHO, IEA, World Bank, and the Clean Cooking Alliance. The main publication period was 2015-2026, and studies conducted prior to that were retained only if their conclusions had not been replicated. Sources that specifically mention Africa were included. Sources that were not peer-reviewed, opinion pieces without empirical support, and studies relevant only to contexts outside Africa were excluded. Women living in energy-poor households are exposed to long-term indoor air pollution from burning biomass fuels such as firewood, charcoal, or crop residues. This exposure increases their risk of respiratory illness, cardiovascular disease, and other long-term health problems. Gender-sensitivity in policy responses has been lacking, focusing on how to disseminate technology rather than the social and economic factors that affect women's access to and ability to sustain clean energy transitions. In conclusion, energy poverty as a gender justice problem needs policy frameworks that recognize women as producers, not consumers. Integrating gender-responsive design into electrification and clean cooking programmes, and closing persistent gaps in sex-disaggregated data, are prerequisites for meaningful progress.