Access to modern forms of energy continues to elude the majority of households in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and only about 30% of the population has access to electricity while 90% relies on traditional fuels for cooking and heating. The central question addressed in this review is whether or not SSA can provide access to modern energy services for its entire population by 2030. The review points out that efforts which succeed in integrating productive uses and income generation activities into energy access initiatives, whether based on conventional fuels or renewable energy, may well turn out to be the deciding factor if the dream of energy for all in sub-Saharan Africa is to become a reality in the foreseeable future.