African Leaders Unite to Transform Energy Sector, Secure $50 Billion in Global Support

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In a historic move to bridge Africa’s energy gap, 30 Heads of State and government leaders have committed to concrete reforms aimed at expanding access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity. The leaders endorsed the Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration at the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit, marking a major step toward tackling the continent’s energy crisis, where over 600 million people still lack electricity.

The Mission 300 initiative, which brings together governments, development banks, private sector stakeholders, and philanthropies, aims to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030. To support this goal, global partners at the summit pledged more than $50 billion in funding. The declaration is now set to be submitted for adoption at the upcoming African Union Summit in February.

A Roadmap for Energy Access and Economic Growth

Recognizing that electricity is the backbone of economic growth, job creation, and improved quality of life, twelve African nations—Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, and Zambia—presented their National Energy Compacts. These country-specific plans outline time-bound targets for scaling up electricity access, increasing the share of renewable energy, and attracting private investments.

The compacts leverage satellite and electronic mapping technologies to identify the most cost-effective ways to electrify underserved areas. They also emphasize enhancing utility efficiency, expanding regional power integration, and promoting clean cooking solutions to reduce reliance on traditional fuels.

Tanzanian President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, who hosted the summit, underscored the significance of these commitments:

“Tanzania is honored to have hosted such a monumental summit, where we, as leaders, reaffirm our promise to provide power and clean cooking solutions that will transform lives and economies.”

The Role of Global Partners in Achieving Energy Access

Achieving these ambitious energy goals will require political will, long-term planning, and strategic collaborations. Governments have committed to implementing policy reforms that will attract investment, while development banks and philanthropies are offering concessional financing to de-risk private sector participation.African Leaders Unite to Transform Energy Sector, Secure $50 Billion in Global Support

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World Bank Group President Ajay Banga emphasized the importance of a collective approach:

“Access to electricity is a fundamental human right. Without it, countries and people cannot thrive. Our mission to provide electricity to half of the 600 million people in Africa without access is a critical first step. But no one can do it alone—governments, businesses, philanthropies, and development banks must work together.”

Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group, highlighted the key reforms needed to accelerate progress:

“Expanding renewable energy, improving utility performance, ensuring transparency in licensing and power purchase agreements, and establishing predictable tariff regimes are critical. Our collective effort is to support governments in developing and implementing national energy compacts that deliver on their vision for electrification.”

A Defining Moment for Africa’s Energy Future

With the Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration, African leaders have taken a firm stance in prioritizing energy access as a driver of economic development. The commitment of $50 billion from global partners signals strong backing for these efforts. However, the true test lies in execution—ensuring reforms translate into tangible electricity connections that uplift millions across the continent.

As the Mission 300 initiative moves forward, all eyes will be on the African Union Summit, where leaders are expected to formalize their commitments and accelerate implementation efforts.

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