NEW YORK, United States of America, September 26, 2025 – A bold step forward for Africa’s energy future was taken today as 17 African countries committed to concrete action plans under Mission 300 electricity access, an initiative spearheaded by the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
The program aims to connect 300 million people to reliable electricity by 2030, transforming the economic and social landscape of the continent.
Unveiled during the Bloomberg Philanthropies Global Forum, these commitments include National Energy Compacts, detailed blueprints designed to guide public spending, trigger energy sector reforms, and attract much-needed private capital. Countries endorsing these compacts include Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Cameroon, Comoros, Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, São Tomé and Principe, Sierra Leone, and Togo.
Mission 300 Electricity Access: Building Momentum
Since its launch, Mission 300 electricity access has already connected 30 million people, with over 100 million more expected in the pipeline.
The compacts are structured around three key tracks: infrastructure development, financing mechanisms, and policy reform.
By aligning national strategies with these tracks, governments are not only ensuring rapid connections but also creating long-term conditions for sustainable, inclusive power access.
World Bank Group President Ajay Banga emphasized the transformative impact of the initiative:
“Electricity is the bedrock of jobs, opportunity, and economic growth. Mission 300 is more than a target—it is forging enduring reforms that cut costs, strengthen utilities, and bring in private investment.”
AfDB President Dr. Sidi Ould Tah added: “Reliable, affordable power is the fastest multiplier for Africa’s entrepreneurs, industries, and youth.
With Mission 300 electricity access, we are empowering millions and laying the groundwork for inclusive growth.”
Presidential Commitments Across Africa
African heads of state and ministers echoed their dedication to the initiative:
President Paul Biya of Cameroon pledged a determined transition toward renewable energy to guarantee universal access and a low-carbon future.
President Denis Sassou Nguesso of Congo highlighted the nation’s hydro potential of 27,000 MW, committing to supply domestic industries and export surplus power through Mission 300.
President William Ruto of Kenya stressed clean energy transition goals, aligning with the country’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana reaffirmed that energy access is vital for poverty reduction and business empowerment.
Each leader reinforced how their Mission 300 electricity access compact is tied not just to infrastructure but also to economic transformation, job creation, and climate resilience.
Expanding Partnerships and Financing
The World Bank and AfDB are working with partners including the Rockefeller Foundation, Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), and Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) to mobilize co-financing, technical expertise, and private-sector participation.
Earlier in 2025, countries like Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, and Zambia also endorsed their National Energy Compacts, pledging over 400 policy actions to strengthen utilities, reduce risks for investors, and unlock bottlenecks in the energy sector.
This collaborative model ensures that Mission 300 electricity access goes beyond short-term infrastructure projects to foster systemic reform and long-lasting impact.
Towards Universal Energy Access by 2030
From renewable projects in Ethiopia and Mozambique to lithium-fueled industrial growth in Zimbabwe, the Mission 300 electricity access initiative is redefining Africa’s energy map.
By prioritizing clean energy, private investment, and cross-border trade, it sets the stage for a resilient and interconnected regional power market.
As Dr. Ould Tah summarized, “Give a young entrepreneur power, and you’ve given them a paycheck. With Mission 300 electricity access, we are lighting the path to prosperity for hundreds of millions across Africa.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
SOURCE: African Development Bank Group
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