While knowledge of electricity dates back centuries, common electrification didn't start until the 1880s when Canada, Australia, Japan, the UK, and the US each had a small rudimentary system in place, but the countries were hardly electrified. Since it's not yet 2080, it cannot be said Africa has been denied electrification for centuries, just one century at best. From there i would have to ask why should it be Europe's or China's responsibility to electrify Africa? After visiting South Africa last year, and I cannot speak about other nations; it's readily apparent that they themselves are the deniers of electricity and other pieces of modern infrastructure. I have no doubt or illusions that forces outside SA play a role in this, but the people and government of SA need to determine what it is they want.