The African continent faces a severe energy shortfall, with over 600 million people lacking access to electricity. Contingent to the above, about thirty African heads of state and government have pledged reforms to expand electricity access.
This was announced at the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit in Tanzania and forms part of the Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration, which aims to connect 300 million people to electricity by 2030.
The declaration is intended for submission to the African Union Summit in this month (February) for formal adoption. The newly secured funding, pledged by development banks and international partners, is hoped to drive investment in renewable energy, expand grid connections and improve power sector efficiency.
A range of financial pledges to support the initiative was made at the summit – like the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) and World Bank Group’s promise to allocate US$48billion to Mission 300 through 2030.
Additionally, Agence Française de Développement (AFD) pledged €1billion to support energy access in Africa. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) also committed between US$1billion and US$1.5billion.
The OPEC Fund committed US$1billion, while the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group also allocated US$2.65billion for energy access between 2025 and 2030 among others.
However, twelve countries including Nigeria, Senegal and Zambia presented detailed National Energy Compacts, setting targets for electricity expansion, increased renewable energy adoption and private sector investment.
These country-specific plans are time-bound, rooted in data, endorsed at the highest level and focused on affordable power generation, expanding connections and regional integration. They aim to boost utility efficiency and expand clean cooking solutions.
It was noted, however, that implementing the National Energy Compacts will require political will, long-term vision and the full support of Mission 300 partners.
President-World Bank Group, Ajay Banga said: “Access to electricity is a fundamental human right. Without it, countries and people cannot thrive.
“Our mission to provide electricity for half of the 600 million people in Africa without access is a critical first step.”
The Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit was hosted by Tanzania, the African Union, AfDB and World Bank Group. It had support from the Rockefeller Foundation, Energy Sector Management Assistance Programme (ESMAP), Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) and Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa.
