African electricity data transparency is rather limited and low quality
While data on Africa’s electricity systems is improving as new or updated national data sources are developed, Ember’s African Electricity Data Transparency report shows current data is limited. The independent climate and energy think tank put together the transparency report as a reference guide of national sources of electricity data on the continent. The report looks at where national electricity data can be found and evaluates the quality and usability of available data. As Ember puts it, timely, reliable and publicly available data will be critical to inform and track Africa’s electricity transition. Robust data can support efforts to ensure that project demand growth is met by clean generation as the reliance on fossil fuels is lessened. Thus, the current situation needs to change to foster transparent decision-making accountability by African electricity planners. The think tank found that while national electricity data is available in many countries in Africa, the quality is generally low, with long lag times and inconsistent public frequency being an unfortunate hallmark. Of the 54 countries evaluated, 23 (42%) had only very old national data available, or nothing at all.
Source: ESI Africa
Africa
Airlines risk hefty fines for delays in returning lost baggage, withholding refunds
Airlines operating scheduled passenger flights within the East and Central Africa region risk paying up to 10% of their turnover generated within the bloc in fines if found culpable for breaching customers’ rights. The competition watchdog of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) said initial investigations have found some airlines in the region are culpable of engaging in anti-competitive practices. The COMESA Competition Commission began the probe early this month after it established that some airlines were refusing to reschedule passenger tickets at no additional charges even if the rescheduling is not a passenger’s fault. Some airlines operating within the region have also been refusing to compensate passengers for loss or damage of their luggage, which is contrary to the COMESA Competition regulations. “The Commission wishes to advise the airlines operating in the region to refrain from such conduct as it is contrary to COMESA Competition regulations,” said the agency’s CEO, Willard Mwemba, in a letter dated 7 February.
Source: The EastAfrican
East / Southern Africa
COMESA signs AU Protocol to consolidate relations
Secretary General of the Common Market for Eastern and […]
