The World Bank and African Development Bank (AfDB) have announced an ambitious plan to bring electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030. This transformative initiative, dubbed Mission 300, will be the centerpiece of the Africa Energy Summit 2025, scheduled to take place on January 27–28 in Tanzania’s bustling capital.
The summit is expected to draw global attention as leaders from across the continent and beyond come together to address one of Africa’s most pressing challenges. With nearly 600 million people, 83% of the world’s population without electricity, still living in darkness, the urgency for action has never been greater.
“The time to act is now,” said Franz Drees-Gross, World Bank Director of Infrastructure for West Africa, during a recent media 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.”
Launched in April 2024, Mission 300 is a collaborative effort involving the World Bank, AfDB, and other global partners. It seeks to combine traditional grid expansion with innovative off-grid solutions tailored for remote areas. The initiative also prioritizes renewable energy and sustainable financing models to ensure long-term success.
The two-day summit will culminate in the signing of the Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration, a landmark agreement where participating countries will commit to accelerating energy access and adopting clean energy solutions. Nations such as Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and the Democratic Republic of Congo are expected to pledge reforms in five critical areas:
Affordable Power Generation: Scaling up low-cost electricity production.
Regional Energy Integration: Strengthening cross-border energy trade for efficiency.
Expanded Energy Access: Reaching underserved rural communities.
Private Sector Investment: Creating an environment that attracts private capital.
Utility Modernization: Enhancing the resilience and efficiency of national utilities.
The initiative has already secured significant backing. The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) and The Rockefeller Foundation have pledged $10 million toward a technical assistance facility for energy projects in 11 African countries. Additionally, financial institutions like the International Finance Corporation (IFC) are expected to announce new investment vehicles aimed at boosting private sector participation in renewable energy.
“This initiative stands out for its ‘all-hands-on-deck’ approach,” said Sarvesh Suri, IFC Director for Infrastructure in Africa. “Institutions are working hand-in-hand to deliver on this ambitious agenda.”
With just five years left until the 2030 deadline, stakeholders acknowledge the enormity of the task ahead. Daniel Schroth, AfDB’s Director for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, emphasized the importance of swift action: “It’s a tight journey because 2030 is only five years away, and we have to deliver not expected connections but actual connections to 300 million people.”
The summit will also showcase success stories from across Africa, highlight innovative solutions, and foster partnerships among governments, private investors, and development organizations.
The Africa Energy Summit is set to attract over 1,000 participants, including 13 African Heads of State, philanthropists, private sector leaders, and international development partners. Together, they will explore strategies to scale up energy access while transitioning the continent toward clean and affordable power.
As Africa stands on the brink of an energy revolution, this summit could mark a turning point in its journey toward economic transformation and improved quality of life for millions. Stay tuned as we bring you updates from Dar es Salaam on this historic mission to light up Africa!
