Thirty African Heads of State and Government leaders have come together to launch an ambitious initiative aimed at transforming Africa’s energy landscape. At the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam, they committed to actionable reforms and a joint mission to electrify the continent, enhancing access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy for millions of Africans.
This landmark pledge, marks a crucial milestone in tackling the continent’s energy crisis, where over 600 million people still live without electricity. With the support of global partners, the Mission 300 initiative is set to connect 300 million Africans to power by 2030, fostering economic growth and creating vital jobs, particularly for the continent’s expanding youth population.
A Groundbreaking Plan for Energy Access
In addition to the Declaration, twelve countries—Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, and Zambia—introduced their National Energy Compacts. These country-specific roadmaps outline clear, data-backed goals to boost electricity access, ramp up renewable energy use, and attract private investment. Each compact focuses on affordable power generation, expanding connections, and fostering regional integration, while also using innovative technologies like satellite mapping to identify cost-effective solutions for underserved areas.
“We are proud to have hosted such an important summit in Tanzania, where leaders have committed to a future powered by reliable energy that will improve lives, create jobs, and drive sustainable development across the continent,” said H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of Tanzania.
Global Support & Financial Backing
The success of these bold plans relies on more than just political will—it demands significant financial investment and collaboration from the global community. Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group, emphasized the critical need for a united approach:
“Electricity is not just a luxury—it’s a fundamental human right. To bring power to the 600 million people in Africa without it, we must all work together—governments, businesses, philanthropies, and development banks.”
In support of this vision, key international partners made impressive financial commitments:
- The African Development Bank Group and the World Bank Group have pledged a combined $48 billion to fuel Mission 300’s success through 2030.
- Agence Française de Développement (AFD) committed €1 billion towards energy access.
- The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) pledged between $1 billion and $1.5 billion to support the initiative.
- The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) has announced $2.65 billion in funding from 2025 to 2030.
- The OPEC Fund committed $1 billion to boost Africa’s energy access.
Furthermore, the Zafiri initiative—launched by the World Bank Group and African Development Bank Group—will focus on scaling private sector-led solutions like solar mini-grids and home systems. In its first phase, Zafiri plans to attract $300 million in investments, with an eye on mobilizing up to $1 billion to tackle Africa’s energy equity gap.
A New Era for Africa’s Energy Future
The energy transformation taking place across Africa is more than a technical challenge—it’s an economic and social revolution that will have lasting impacts on communities and livelihoods. As governments, development banks, and the private sector join forces, Africa’s electrification story is shifting from aspiration to action.
The Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit was co-hosted by the United Republic of Tanzania, the African Union, the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), and the World Bank Group, with significant support from organizations such as the Rockefeller Foundation, ESMAP, and SEforALL.
Together, these global efforts mark a bold new chapter for Africa, one where reliable electricity fuels progress, empowers communities, and drives a sustainable future for millions.
Source :World Bank
