BTA2023 Thirty African heads of state and government have committed to transformative reforms aimed at expanding electricity access across the continent. Backed by over US$50 billion in financial commitments from global partners, this initiative seeks to bridge Africa’s significant energy gap.
The Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit
Announced at the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit in Tanzania, these commitments form part of the Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration. This ambitious plan aims to connect 300 million people to electricity by 2030 and is set to be submitted to the African Union Summit in February for formal adoption.
Currently, Africa faces a severe energy shortfall, with over 600 million people lacking access to electricity. The newly pledged funding is expected to drive renewable energy investment, expand grid connections, and improve power sector efficiency.
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, host of the summit, emphasized the transformative impact of electricity access, stating:
“Tanzania is honoured to have hosted this summit, which brings together leaders to deliver on their commitment to power access and clean cooking solutions that will transform lives and economies.”
Major Financial Commitments
The summit witnessed several financial pledges from international organizations, including:
- African Development Bank Group (AfDB) & World Bank Group – US$48 billion committed through 2030.
- Agence Française de Développement (AFD) – €1 billion pledged for energy access in Africa.
- Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) – Between US$1 billion and US$1.5 billion committed.
- Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group – US$2.65 billion allocated for energy access (2025-2030).
- OPEC Fund – US$1 billion pledged.
- Zafiri, a new investment company launched by the World Bank Group and AfDB, will support private-sector renewable energy solutions, starting with US$300 million and aiming to mobilize US$1 billion.
Country-Specific Energy Plans
Twelve countries, including Nigeria, Senegal, and Zambia, presented detailed National Energy Compacts outlining their electricity expansion strategies. These plans focus on:
- Increased adoption of renewable energy
- Enhanced private sector investment
- Affordable power generation and grid expansion
- Boosting utility efficiency and clean cooking solutions
- Leveraging satellite and electronic mapping for cost-effective solutions
Implementation and Political Will
Successful implementation of these National Energy Compacts requires political commitment, long-term planning, and collaboration among governments, development banks, and private investors. Concessional financing and strategic partnerships will play a critical role in accelerating electrification efforts.
Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group, emphasized the urgency of the mission:
“Access to electricity is a fundamental human right. Without it, countries and people cannot thrive.”
He further stated that success hinges on collaboration among governments, businesses, philanthropies, and development banks.
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group, underscored the importance of regulatory reforms, saying:
“Critical reforms will be needed to expand the share of renewables, improve utility performance, ensure transparency in licensing and power purchase agreements, and establish predictable tariff regimes that reflect production costs.”
The Path Forward
The Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit, co-hosted by Tanzania, the African Union, AfDB, and the World Bank Group, was supported by major organizations, including:
- The Rockefeller Foundation
- Energy Sector Management Assistance Programme (ESMAP)
- Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP)
- Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL)
- Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa
This initiative marks a pivotal step in Africa’s journey toward sustainable energy access and economic transformation. With strong financial backing and committed leadership, the continent is poised to make substantial progress in electrification, ultimately improving the lives of millions.
