Africa’s energy sector is set for a major shift as leaders, investors, and institutions work to bring power to 300 million people by 2030.The Africa Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, gathered heads of state and 1,000+ key stakeholders to drive energy transformation under Mission 300.The two-day event, starting January 27, focuses on expanding energy access, mobilizing resources, and boosting cross-border trade to enhance financing.Here’s what to know:
Africa’s Energy Shift: Key Insights from Mission 300Governments, investors, and financial institutions are working to provide power to 300 million Africans by 2030.
The Africa Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, gathered leaders and 1,000+ stakeholders to drive this goal under Mission 300.The two-day event, starting January 27, focuses on expanding energy access, mobilizing resources, and boosting cross-border trade.
Key Takeaways:Commitments & Actions: The Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration will outline reforms, while National Energy Compacts set country-specific targets.12 Countries Leading: Initial plans focus on low-cost power, regional integration, energy access, private investment, and utility strengthening.
Urgent Action Needed: “Mission 300 is more than a target—it’s a movement,” said Franz Drees-Gross, World Bank Director for West Africa.Driving Change: A World Bank & AfDB initiative, Mission 300 leverages tech and financing to bridge Africa’s energy gap.
Delivering Actual Connections by 2030
The Dar es Salaam summit will showcase energy sector successes, strengthen regional power planning, and boost investments for the Continental Master Plan and African Single Electricity Market.
Mission 300 combines grid expansion and off-grid solutions to power remote areas, prioritizing sustainable financing and tackling currency mismatches.”We must deliver actual connections, not just targets,” said Daniel Schroth, AfDB’s Director for Renewable Energy.IFC’s Sarvesh Suri emphasized the initiative’s “all hands on deck” approach, with institutions collaborating to drive progress. IFC will announce new investment vehicles to support private sector renewable energy.
Africa’s Energy Challenge
Nearly 600 million Africans still lack electricity, relying on kerosene lamps or diesel generators, says Kevin Kariuki, AfDB VP for Energy.
Without urgent action, access rates won’t improve due to low investment, poor maintenance, unaffordable subsidies, and weak financial sustainability.Many public utilities are in financial distress, unable to cover costs or fund upgrades, forcing reliance on subsidies.Energy financing is often in hard currency, creating a mismatch as local populations pay in unstable local currencies.
Mission 300: Powering Africa’s FutureExperts stress that energy drives development, and without affordable, reliable electricity, Africa can’t reach its full potential.
Mission 300 will invest in new and upgraded power generation, transmission, and distribution, including regional interconnections.Reforms aim to ensure affordable electricity, financially stable utilities, and private sector investment.The plan combines grid expansion with mini-grids and solar home systems to reach remote areas, backed by investments in generation, transmission, and sector reform for a sustainable power supply.
Leaders Must Act
Experts urge African leaders to drive energy reforms for stronger utilities and greater efficiency.Key steps include transparent bidding, cost-recovery for utilities, and adaptive regulations to match fast-evolving technology.Governments and partners should boost regional electricity trade, move beyond single-buyer models, and integrate renewables into weak grids for a smoother energy transition.
