In this episode of Blindspot Africa, Charles Gyamfi Ofori speaks with Dr. Joseph Asenso, Head of the Economics Division at the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), about one of the biggest challenges facing Africa’s energy sector: financing the infrastructure needed to close the continent’s energy access gap.

The conversation examines project bankability, development finance, and the risks that make energy investments more expensive in Africa. Dr. Asenso explains what financiers look for when assessing energy projects, including signed power purchase agreements, reliable off-takers, sustainable tariffs, and adequate risk protection.

They also explore the impact of currency depreciation, inflation, payment defaults, and macroeconomic instability on energy investment and electricity costs. The discussion highlights why stabilising these fundamentals is critical to attracting both local and international capital.

The episode also looks at the growing role of solar, wind, gas, development finance institutions, and pension funds in unlocking capital for Africa’s energy infrastructure—and what governments and investors can do to make projects more viable while delivering meaningful development outcomes.

A timely conversation on energy finance, investment risk, and what Africa needs to build a more sustainable and affordable energy future.