This paper discusses whether energy access programmes in rural sub-Saharan Africa reach the poor. We examine on- and off-grid electrification as well as improved cooking. Pro-poor development requires that the programmes enable the poor to unlock their productive potential. We therefore focus on the productive use potentials triggered by energy access programmes, such as irrigation. Our review of the recent evaluation literature informed by our sector and evaluation experience on the topic also comprehensively cover other potential channels, including education and health. In doing so, we consider both direct economic benefitsto the poor and whether indirect effects accrue to the unconnected via spillovers from among the connected. We conclude by emphasizing that energy access is beneficial for the poor if connections are made affordable through subsidization, but indirect effects from productive use and income generation are largely absent. From a pro-poor perspective, energy efficient biomass cookstoves offer the largest potential.
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