14 December 2018, Sweetcrude Lagos — The International Energy Agency, IEA, has formally welcomed South Africa as its 8th member country during its 261st governing board meeting in Paris, expanding the IEA family to sub-Saharan Africa.
South Africa joined the IEA as an association country last month. It is a major player in African energy markets, representing the largest energy consumer on the continent as it accounts for about half of Africa’s electricity. It also possesses one of the highest electrification rates.
The IEA family of 30 member countries and 8 association countries now accounts for almost 75% of global energy consumption, up from about 40% in 2015, and more than half of global energy production.