As global leaders convene at COP29 in Baku, a significant focus for Africa is the acceleration of access to reliable and sustainable electricity. Currently, nearly half of Africa's population lacks access to electricity. This challenge hinders the continent's development goals and its economic transformation towards a poverty-free world on a sustainable planet.
To tackle this issue, the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank have initiated "Mission 300," which aims to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030. Approximately half of this target will be achieved through grid connections, while the other half will be delivered via private sector-led distributed renewable energy (DRE) solutions such as mini-grids and solar home systems.
DRE has shown promise in expanding energy access in Africa. Kenya has doubled its electricity access through private investments in distributed renewables. Similarly, Cote d’Ivoire increased its electricity access from 34% in 2013 to over 70% in 2022 through large-scale grid investments and innovations like social bonds for electricity connections.
The World Bank Group is advancing Mission 300 with partners by promoting sustainable energy across Eastern and Southern Africa. A regional program aims to provide clean energy access for 100 million people across 20 countries, starting with Burundi, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Somalia, and Tanzania.
In remote areas, mini-grids and standalone solar solutions are crucial. Nigeria plans to deliver clean electricity to 17.5 million people using DRE solutions while replacing over 250,000 diesel generators.
Private sector collaboration is vital for deploying DRE solutions rapidly. The International Finance Corporation (IFC), Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), and the World Bank are piloting an equity vehicle with de-risking guarantees to attract private investment.
Governments are implementing reforms under Mission 300 to expand affordable energy access, promote regional integration, scale up DRE solutions, leverage private investment, and strengthen power utilities. The success of Mission 300 depends on these reforms along with fostering partnerships and innovative scalable solutions.
"Join us on the mission to power up Africa!"