655 Million People Still Without Electricity Underscore Urgent Need to Deliver Universal Energy Access This page in:English Français Español

https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2026/06/16/accelerating-universal-energy-access This page in:English Français Español Latest data show uneven progress, highlighting the critical need to focus on affordability and vulnerable communities Washington, New York, Paris, Geneva, Abu Dhabi, 24 June 2026 – At a time when energy security and affordability have risen to the top of the development agenda, 655 million people globally still lack access to electricity, and two billion use polluting fuels and technologies for cooking putting their health and well-being at risk. Sub-Saharan Africa bears a disproportionate share of these gaps, with over 560 million living without electricity and 970 million lacking access to clean cooking.