Factors characterising energy security in West Africa: An integrative review of the literature

摘要

The purpose of the study is to characterise energy security in West Africa in a holistic manner rather than a specific element of energy security. Additionally, this study samples studies from West Africa for concluding rather than studies that predominate the Global North. Guided by the literature from the Global North and West Africa, an integrative review of literature and a content analysis of 52 sampled studies based on a literature search strategy was undertaken. The study identifies that energy security in West Africa is characterised by one region-specific factor (i.e., investment), five cross-sectors factors (i.e., governance, sustainability, reliability, affordability and regional energy pools), three sector-specific factors for the electricity sub-sector (i.e., energy demand-side management) and oil and gas sub-sector (i.e., availability and security). The three sector-specific factors for the electricity and oil and gas are also non-regional factors. The study concludes that energy security in the Global North and West Africa is characterised by similar cross-sector factors i.e., Governance, sustainability, reliability, affordability, regional energy integration and similar sector-specific factors i.e., energy demand-side management, availability and security. The difference lies largely in the region-specific factors and thinly in the nature of the manifestations of similar factors in both regions which may be influenced by subregional needs, risks and ambitions. The study increases the Africa voice on the subject. It also identifies that factors such as sustainability, security, energy sector investment has been understudied and as such future studies should focus on these factors.