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Tomorrow, African heads of state, business leaders, and development partners will gather in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, for the highly anticipated Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit. This landmark event marks a decisive step toward providing reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity to 300 million people in Africa by 2030.
Mission 300, a groundbreaking initiative spearheaded by the African Development Bank, the World Bank Group, and global partners, seeks to close Africa’s energy access gap by leveraging new technology, innovative financing, and bold reforms. With nearly 600 million Africans still living without electricity, the initiative is essential for fostering development, creating jobs, and driving inclusive growth.
Summit Highlights: Charting Africa’s Energy Future
The Africa Energy Summit, taking place on 27–28 January 2025, will host over 1,000 participants, including more than 25 heads of state, key private sector representatives, and energy experts. Two significant outcomes are expected:
- The Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration
This continent-wide agreement will outline commitments and actions by African governments to reform the energy sector and accelerate access to electricity. - National Energy Compacts
In the summit’s first phase, 12 African countries—Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, and Zambia—will present energy compacts. These compacts will include country-specific targets, timelines, and strategies to expand electricity access.
Subsequent phases will involve additional African countries, ensuring the continent-wide scope of the initiative.
Why Mission 300 Matters
Electricity is more than a utility; it is the cornerstone of modern life and a driver of sustainable development. Reliable energy enables:
- Economic Growth: Powering industries, small businesses, and job creation.
- Education and Healthcare: Supporting digital learning and modern healthcare facilities.
- Gender Equality: Reducing time spent by women on labour-intensive tasks like collecting firewood.
- Climate Goals: Promoting renewable energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect biodiversity.
Mission 300 aims to meet Sustainable Development Goal 7 (affordable and clean energy) and align with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, positioning Africa on a low-carbon, climate-resilient development path.
Delivering Energy Solutions for All
Mission 300 will prioritise investments in:
- Generation Capacity: Expanding power production using renewables such as solar and wind.
- Transmission Systems: Building regional interconnections and strengthening distribution grids.
- Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE): Mini-grids and stand-alone solar home systems will target remote and underserved areas, ensuring no community is left behind.
DRE solutions are projected to account for over 50% of new electricity connections by 2030, offering cost-effective and scalable options for fragile and rural regions.
Opportunities and Partnerships
The summit represents a defining moment for Africa’s energy transformation. Key outcomes will include:
- Reform Commitments: Clear steps toward financially sustainable and affordable electricity systems.
- Private Sector Engagement: Mobilising investment at the scale and speed required.
- Partnership Expansion: Securing additional funding and technical support from global partners.
Why Now? Africa’s Unique Opportunity
Africa is uniquely positioned to address its energy deficit with:
- Abundant Renewable Resources: The continent boasts 60% of the world’s best solar potential, yet only a fraction is utilised.
- Declining Renewable Energy Costs: Solar and wind power are now cost-competitive with conventional energy sources.
- Technological Advancements: Digitisation and mobile payment platforms are enabling innovative energy solutions, especially in rural areas.
These factors create an unprecedented opportunity to not only expand energy access but also align Africa’s growth with global climate goals.
A Call to Action: Lighting Up Africa’s Future
Mission 300 is more than an energy initiative—it is a moral imperative. It reflects Africa’s collective determination to uplift millions from poverty, accelerate inclusive growth, and build a green and resilient future.
The Dar es Salaam Energy Summit must not merely be a forum for discussion but a turning point in Africa’s journey toward universal energy access. Governments, private sector leaders, and development partners must seize this opportunity to prioritise reforms, mobilise investments, and transform Africa’s energy landscape.
“The road ahead may be challenging, but it is also filled with opportunity. With determination, innovation, and collaboration, we can achieve universal energy access in Africa. This is our moment to make history.”
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Source: AfDB
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