In a major step toward addressing Africa’s energy deficit, African nations, alongside international development partners, have pledged to connect 300 million people to electricity by 2030, committing to an ambitious and collaborative energy initiative.
The commitment was made at the Africa Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam, which took place on January 27-28, 2025. The event served as a platform for leaders and stakeholders from across the continent, including government officials, energy experts, and international development organizations, to discuss the practicalities and feasibility of Mission 300. This mission, jointly spearheaded by the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB), aims to address the electricity access gap in sub-Saharan Africa, where nearly 600 million people currently live without reliable electricity.
World Bank Group President Ajay Banga, speaking at a high-level panel during the summit, stressed that the initiative would require a concerted effort from multiple sectors. “No one can do it alone. It’s clear that we need collective action,” Banga said, highlighting the importance of collaboration between governments, the private sector, and international partners to ensure the success of Mission 300.
Mission 300 has set an ambitious target to extend electricity to 300 million people in the next five years, with an emphasis on practical, scalable solutions. AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina, also speaking at the summit, expressed confidence that the initiative is not only feasible but also necessary for Africa’s future. “We have a clear path to reaching these 300 million people. Africa cannot afford to be left in the dark, especially at a time when energy access is a key driver of economic growth and development,” he said.
Adesina went on to emphasize that reliable access to electricity will play a transformative role in Africa’s competitiveness on the global stage, stating, “With power, Africa will not just meet expectations but exceed them, becoming a competitive and prosperous continent.” He noted that reliable electricity is essential to improving the quality of life for millions of people, boosting productivity, creating jobs, and accelerating industrialization across the continent.
The summit saw active participation from African energy ministers and senior government officials, who reaffirmed their commitment to implementing reforms that will attract investment in the energy sector. These reforms include updates to regulatory frameworks, measures to ensure transparency and efficiency in energy distribution, and efforts to increase the participation of the private sector in infrastructure development.
“We must create an environment that attracts both local and international investments in the energy sector. We need to modernize energy policies and improve access to financing in order to expand energy infrastructure,” said Tanzania’s Minister of Energy, Medard Kalemani. The government of Tanzania is taking a leading role in the effort, pledging to offer incentives and create a conducive environment for private investment.
Private sector involvement is seen as essential to the success of Mission 300, with energy companies and financial institutions expected to play a significant role in building the necessary infrastructure and ensuring long-term sustainability. Rajiv Shah, President of the Rockefeller Foundation, announced a $65 million donation to support the mission, saying, “Mission 300 is an opportunity for us to come together and work in new and innovative ways. We pledge our support to ensure that this project moves forward, benefiting millions of Africans who desperately need access to energy.”
In addition to energy access, participants at the summit discussed the broader economic implications of providing electricity to underserved regions. Energy is critical to unlocking other sectors such as agriculture, education, healthcare, and technology. The panel emphasized that a connected and electrified Africa will create vast new opportunities for entrepreneurship and innovation, improving livelihoods across the continent.
Experts at the summit noted that, with the right mix of policies, investments, and strategic partnerships, the goal of connecting 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030 is within reach. However, they cautioned that sustained political will, transparency, and effective governance would be critical to overcoming the barriers of financing, infrastructure deficits, and access challenges in remote and rural areas.
“This is a moment for bold action, and we must seize it. The benefits of Mission 300 extend far beyond electricity—they represent an opportunity to change the trajectory of Africa’s economic future,” said Adesina, calling on all stakeholders to follow through on their commitments to this transformative initiative.
The summit concluded with a renewed sense of urgency, with key stakeholders pledging to coordinate efforts and move forward with the planning and implementation phases. With the support of international partners, private investors, and a clear vision for the future, Mission 300 is poised to make a significant impact on Africa’s energy landscape and contribute to the continent’s long-term sustainable development.
