A few days ago, Tanzania announced it would import electricity from Ethiopia via Kenya to address persistent power shortages in its Northern Zone. Ethiopian electricity, it said, would be cheaper than power sourced from its south-eastern region.
The story was a reminder of something most Africans go about their daily lives oblivious to—the continent’s intricate and expansive electricity trade. Across Africa, most cross-border trade disputes that make the news involve emotive and easily relatable commodities—foodstuffs. But these are not the biggest intra-African traded goods.
