Africa in ambitious five-year plan to power 300 million people
President Samia Suluhu Hassan in a group photo with African heads of state and global partners during the two-day Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit, held in Dar es Salaam from 27–28 January 2025. PHOTO | SUNDAY GEORGE
What you need to know:
- Recognising Africa’s vast renewable energy potential, leaders pledged to prioritise investments in hydropower, solar, wind, and geothermal energy while using natural gas as a transitional energy source.
Dar es Salaam. African leaders made a historic commitment yesterday, promising to provide reliable, affordable and sustainable energy to 300 million people across the continent by 2030.
The ambitious target was endorsed in the Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration, adopted yesterday by African Heads of State during the Africa Energy Summit, held under the theme “Powering Africa for Reliable, Affordable, Inclusive Sustainable, and Clean Energy for All.”
Reading the declaration, the Secretary-General of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), Prof Vincent Nmehielle, spoke of the urgency of addressing the energy crisis, noting that nearly 600 million Africans still lack electricity, while almost 1 billion people do not have access to clean cooking solutions.
“We commend President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her exemplary leadership in hosting this summit and championing clean cooking energy in Africa. This historic gathering is a step forward in achieving universal energy access,” said Prof Nmehielle.
The declaration acknowledged the efforts of development partners, particularly the AfDB and the World Bank, which plan to allocate $48 billion in financing through 2030 to accelerate electrification. The funding aims to provide electricity to 250 million people and clean cooking solutions to an additional 50 million.
The AfDB has committed $18.2 billion towards the initiative, while the World Bank has pledged $22 billion. Additional support will come from global partners.
The Rockefeller Foundation has provided $20 million in technical assistance to prepare country-specific energy plans. The Islamic Development Bank pledged $2.65 billion, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank committed $1.5 billion, and the OPEC Fund announced $1 billion. The French government is also expected to make a significant contribution.
The AfDB President, Dr Akinwumi Adesina also said the private sector participation was also key in achieving Mission 300’s ambitious goals. He underscored the importance of reforms to expand renewable energy, enhance utility performance, and create a transparent framework for licensing, power purchase agreements, and tariffs.
“The private sector must play a pivotal role, especially in expanding mini-grids and off-grid systems to serve rural communities,” he said.
President Samia Suluhu Hassani (third from left) with other senior leaders of Africa participating in a meeting on energy Issues at the Julius Nyerere International Conference Center (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam on January 28, 2025. PHOTO | STATE HOUSE
Dr Adesina also called for strong leadership from African governments, encouraging them to take ownership of their energy goals through country-led energy compacts. These compacts, he explained, would help implement effective, actionable strategies to improve energy access.
“Our collective effort is to support you, heads of state and governments, in delivering electricity for your people,” Dr Adesina stated, emphasising the importance of leadership, collaboration, and unwavering commitment from all stakeholders in meeting the continent’s energy needs.
With billions of dollars already pledged and a clear roadmap in place, Mission 300 is positioned to accelerate electricity access across Africa, boosting economic development and improving the quality of life for millions of people.
Dr Adesina concluded by urging African leaders to focus on transforming the continent’s energy future. “We need your personal leadership to make this possible,” he said.
Energy economist Dr Grace Malaba described the declaration as “a game-changer” for Africa’s development. “Energy access is not just about lighting homes; it is about unlocking economic potential, improving health, and driving industrialisation,” she said.
Leaders also emphasised the central role of the private sector in expanding energy access across the continent.
“We need a coordinated approach to attract private capital,” said energy policy expert Prof John Kambona. “This includes creating supportive regulations, offering fiscal incentives, and adopting innovative financing mechanisms.”
The declaration called for bold reforms to ensure financially viable utilities capable of delivering affordable and reliable electricity. Key areas of reform include tariff adjustments, efficiency improvements, and policies that enhance cost recovery to sustain energy systems.
Renewable energy and regional integration
Recognising Africa’s vast renewable energy potential, leaders pledged to prioritise investments in hydropower, solar, wind, and geothermal energy while using natural gas as a transitional energy source.
The declaration underscored the importance of regional integration, calling for increased investments in interconnections, harmonised transmission planning, and strengthened cooperation among African nations to unlock the continent’s full energy potential.
Distributed renewable energy systems and clean cooking solutions were described as “critical elements” of Africa’s energy access agenda, with leaders urging faster adoption of these technologies to reach underserved communities.
Gender equality featured prominently in the commitments, with leaders vowing to enhance energy access for women and implement measures to create employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in the energy sector.
“Access to energy is transformative for women,” said social development expert Dr Rahima Abdallah. “It empowers them economically, improves health outcomes, and enhances opportunities for education and entrepreneurship.”
Beyond external financing, African nations pledged to allocate national budgetary resources to complement support from development partners, philanthropies, and the private sector. Leaders also committed to developing national energy compacts by 2025 to provide a clear framework for coordinated action.
Transformative vision
The declaration concluded with a strong call for unity in delivering energy access as a catalyst for ending poverty, improving healthcare, and fostering economic growth. Leaders requested the African Union Commission to submit the Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration for adoption by the AU Assembly.
As the summit closed, Prof Nmehielle reflected on the significance of the commitments made: “This declaration is not just about promises; it is about taking bold action and ensuring political support to transform Africa’s energy landscape. We owe it to the millions of Africans who deserve access to energy and the opportunities it brings.”
With firm commitments from governments, development partners, and the private sector, the Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration marks a milestone in Africa’s energy journey. If successfully implemented, it could drive the continent toward universal energy access and sustainable development.
Tanzania’s $13 billion funding requirement
Addressing the Summit earlier in the day, President Hassan said Tanzania needs $13 billion in funding to implement key energy reforms aimed at boosting electricity supply, promoting clean cooking solutions, and expanding access to power in rural hamlets.
President Hassan outlined Tanzania’s strategic priorities, including the launch of a national energy compact aimed at increasing electricity connectivity to 72 percent by 2030. This initiative forms part of Tanzania’s broader energy goals and is expected to significantly improve access to power across the nation.
In her speech, President Hassan revealed that the country plans to raise $5 billion of the required funds from the private sector. This would be part of a comprehensive national strategy designed to address four key energy priorities.
“We, as African leaders, must commit to tackling the critical challenges in the energy value chain as outlined in our action plans. We also encourage our financial partners and the private sector to scale up investment, while we work towards enhancing our business environment and implementing policy reforms,” said President Hassan.
The first priority of the national strategy focuses on increasing electricity production. Tanzania currently produces 3,431 megawatts (MW) of power, with 58 percent generated from hydro, 35 percent from gas, and 7 percent from other renewable sources. The target is to increase this capacity by 2,463 MW, tapping into solar, wind, geothermal, and other renewable sources by 2030.
The second priority is to strengthen Tanzania’s position as a key electricity trading hub in the East and Southern African regions. The country already connects to power grids in Burundi and Kenya, and plans are underway to link with Zambia and Uganda. This would enhance trade within the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), positioning Tanzania to export surplus electricity, especially as domestic demand is projected to reach 1,888 MW by November 2024, against a current production of 3,431 MW.
The third focus is electrifying Tanzania’s remaining hamlets, with the goal of extending power to all 64,359 hamlets across the country. Currently, 32,827 hamlets are electrified, with work underway to reach an additional 20,000, leaving 11,532 hamlets to be covered.
The fourth priority highlighted by President Hassan addresses the need for clean cooking energy solutions. With 950 million people in Africa lacking access to clean cooking technologies, the issue is particularly pressing in Tanzania, where 90 percent of households rely on firewood and charcoal. These methods contribute to poor health outcomes and environmental degradation. The national strategy aims to reduce reliance on these sources, increasing the adoption of cleaner alternatives from the current 10 percent to 80 percent by 2034.
“We are committed to reducing our reliance on harmful cooking fuels and promoting cleaner alternatives, which will not only improve health outcomes but also reduce environmental impacts,” she said.
As the summit concluded, President Hassan urged her fellow African leaders to join forces and collaborate in achieving the continent’s energy goals, declaring that “together we can light up Africa and empower future generations.”
Some of the leading leaders of various African countries at a conference on energy Issues at the JNICC. PHOTOS | STATE HOUSE
President Hassan highlighted the summit’s significance as a platform for consolidating commitments, announcing new partnerships, and accelerating progress toward the goal of providing electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030. She emphasised the importance of collaboration between the private sector, development partners, financial institutions, and civil society to drive momentum through actionable Energy Compacts.
“This gathering is a platform to consolidate commitments, announce new partnerships, and drive momentum toward the 2030 goal. Together with the private sector, development partners, financial institutions, and civil society, we can bridge the energy gap through actionable Energy Compacts,” President Hassan stated.
However, she stressed that the summit’s impact goes beyond just energy access. “It is about empowering families, lifting millions out of poverty, and providing hope and opportunities for youth,” she continued. “It is about our commitment to economic transformation, fostering industries, creating jobs, and sparking innovation across Africa. And it is about realizing the promise of uplifting every African community, reaching the last mile, and ensuring that no one is left behind.”
Urgent action
World Bank President Ajay Banga and Rockefeller Foundation President Dr Rajiv Shah underscored the critical need for urgent, collaborative action to address Africa’s energy deficit and unlock the continent’s economic potential. Speaking during the event, Mr Banga stressed the scale of Africa’s employment crisis, noting that over the next decade, 360 million young Africans will enter the job market, yet only 150 million jobs are projected to be created.
“Three out of every five young people will lack opportunities to secure jobs that provide both income and dignity,” he remarked.
The World Bank President also emphasised energy as a cornerstone for Africa’s future development. He outlined the ambitious goals of Mission 300, which aims to provide electricity to 300 million people across the continent by 2030.
“This mission is not just about electricity or clean cooking; it’s about people, their optimism, and their dignity. It’s the foundation of future development, and we want to be your partners on this journey,” Mr Banga told the gathered leaders.
Despite ongoing efforts, more than half of Africa’s population remains without electricity. Dr Shah highlighted the dire situation, with 600 million people living without basic electricity and another 500 million lacking affordable, productive power.
“Electricity is an absolute requirement for development in today’s global digital economy,” Dr Shah emphasised.
The two leaders called for collective action to bridge the energy gap. Mr Banga stressed that collaboration is key to success, urging governments, private investors, and development partners to work together.
“To succeed, we all have to embrace a simple truth: no one can do it alone. Only through collaboration can we achieve this idea of making it possible,” he stated.
Governments, Mr Banga added, must play a pivotal role in driving reform, as they craft the policies and regulations necessary for progress. He also noted the importance of the private sector, with its ability to innovate, scale, and deliver results. The World Bank, he promised, will help facilitate investment by removing policy barriers and creating a conducive environment for growth.
Dr Shah echoed similar sentiments, highlighting that Mission 300 is founded on a unique partnership that brings together the public, private, and philanthropic sectors.
“This initiative is led by African leaders, catalysing extraordinary concessional resources at a time of critical need,” he said.
The summit also focused on the potential of energy to drive job creation and economic growth. Mr Banga pointed to complementary investments, such as those in natural gas, to support a just energy transition.
“While Mission 300 is the centrepiece, it’s part of a broader energy strategy,” he explained.
Dr Shah reflected on the long road to electrification in Africa, recalling the installation of Dar es Salaam’s first street lights in 1908 as a significant milestone. However, he lamented that many African households and businesses still lack the necessary energy to thrive.
“But there is hope,” Dr Shah said, expressing optimism that Mission 300 would succeed where previous initiatives had failed. “This initiative is driven by African leadership, backed by substantial concessional resources, and powered by collaborative partnerships.”
Some of the leading leaders of various African countries at a conference on energy Issues at the JNICC. PHOTOS | STATE HOUSE
As the summit concluded, it became clear that energy is at the heart of tackling Africa’s urgent challenges. Leaders agreed that achieving Mission 300’s goals will require the collective effort and support of all stakeholders, with a particular focus on capacity-building and removing policy barriers to attract investment.
“This is not just about infrastructure—it’s about people, their optimism, and their hopeful dignity,” Mr Banga concluded.
