Thirty African heads of state and governments have pledged to implement significant reforms to enhance access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity across the continent. This commitment was made during the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam, resulting in the endorsement of the Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration. The declaration aims to address Africa's energy gap, where over 600 million people currently lack electricity.
The Mission 300 initiative seeks to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030. Partners of the initiative have committed more than $50 billion to increase energy access throughout Africa. The declaration will be presented at the African Union Summit in February for adoption.
Twelve countries—Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, and Zambia—introduced National Energy Compacts with specific targets for expanding electricity access and renewable energy use while attracting private investment. These plans focus on affordable power generation and regional integration.
“Tanzania is honored to have hosted such a monumental summit," stated H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of Tanzania.
Implementing these compacts will require political determination and support from Mission 300 partners. Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group emphasized that "access to electricity is a fundamental human right."
Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina of the African Development Bank Group highlighted the need for reforms to expand renewables and improve utility performance.
During the summit:
- The African Development Bank Group and World Bank Group plan $48 billion in financing through 2030.
- Agence Française de Développement committed €1 billion.
- Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank pledged between $1 billion and $1.5 billion.
- Islamic Development Bank Group announced $2.65 billion from 2025-2030.
- OPEC Fund offered $1 billion in support.
Additionally, Zafiri was launched as an investment company supporting private sector-led solutions like renewable mini-grids.
The commitments made underscore the potential impact of combining government reforms with increased financing and public-private partnerships under Mission 300.
The summit was hosted by Tanzania along with organizations including the African Union and World Bank Group.