BRIGHT IDEA

Obama Announces ‘Power Africa’

Up to $7 billion in U.S. aid to help East Africa get electricity.

President Obama announced on Sunday a $7 billion aid program called “Power Africa” that aims to bring more electricity to sub-Saharan African. An estimated two thirds of South Africans do not have access to electricity—and that number climbs up to 85 percent in rural areas. It will take an estimated $300 billion to fully supply the continent with power, and the $7 billion U.S. aid will provide not only technical assistance, but also grants and tools for risk mitigation. Meanwhile, Obama is due to visit Robben Island, the notorious prison where South African President Nelson Mandela was held for 18 years. Obama does not have any plans to visit Mandela, who is in the hospital.