African Energy Summit 2025: World Bank and AfDB to Deliver Electricity to 300 Million Africans by 2030

Joining forces at the Africa Energy Summit 2025, the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have launched an ambitious initiative to electrify 300 million African lives by the end of this decade.

Taking place on January 27-28 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, the Africa Energy Summit is anticipated to be a pivotal moment in the pursuit of universal energy access. Observers believe the summit will play a crucial role in achieving the Mission 300 goal of electrifying 300 million Africans by 2030.

“The time to act is now,” declared Franz Drees-Gross, World Bank Director of Infrastructure for West Africa, in a recent briefing.

“Mission 300 represents not just an ambitious target but a movement… creating a lasting impact that will power Africa’s growth and enable millions to access essential services electricity provides,” Mr. Franz maintained.

Recognizing that a staggering 600 million Africans – a significant 83% of the global population without electricity – still live without power, Mission 300 was launched in April 2024. This ambitious initiative brings together the World Bank, AfDB, and other global partners to tackle this pressing challenge.

The culmination of the two-day summit will be the signing of the Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration. This landmark agreement will witness African governments committing to:

1. Accelerating energy access: Bringing electricity to more people across the continent.

2. Promoting renewable energy: Expanding the use of clean energy sources like solar and wind power.

3. Attracting private sector investment: Encouraging businesses to invest in Africa’s energy sector.

Participating nations, including Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Côte d’Ivoire, will formally pledge to implement reforms in five key areas to achieve these goals.

The Global Energy Alliance and The Rockefeller Foundation are investing $10 million to help African countries develop renewable energy projects. This support will come in the form of technical assistance.

Additionally, organizations like the International Finance Corporation are planning to create new investment opportunities to encourage private companies to invest in renewable energy solutions across Africa.

Mission 300 aims to improve energy access in Africa through a combined approach. This includes expanding the traditional electricity grid alongside off-grid solutions for areas not connected to the grid.

The strategy emphasizes sustainable financing methods, particularly addressing the issue of currency fluctuations in project funding.

The summit will showcase successful energy projects in Africa. It will also bring together key players to accelerate investments, improve regional power planning, and facilitate cross-border electricity trade.

Daniel Schroth, from the African Development Bank, stressed the need for immediate action to address Africa’s energy challenges.

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