Seventeen African countries have pledged to implement reforms and develop actionable plans to expand electricity access as part of Mission 300, a partnership led by the World Bank Group and African Development Bank Group. The initiative aims to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030.
The announcement was made at the Bloomberg Philanthropies Global Forum, where national Energy Compacts were endorsed by Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Cameroon, Comoros, Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, São Tomé and Principe, Sierra Leone, and Togo. These compacts are designed as practical blueprints to guide public spending and attract private investment.
World Bank Group President Ajay Banga stated: "Electricity is the bedrock of jobs, opportunity, and economic growth. That's why Mission 300 is more than a target—it is forging enduring reforms that slash costs, strengthen utilities, and draw in private investment."
Since Mission 300 began operations earlier this year with support from development partners such as the Rockefeller Foundation and Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), about 30 million people have gained electricity access. More than 100 million additional connections are in progress.
African Development Bank Group President Dr. Sidi Ould Tah said: "Reliable, affordable power is the fastest multiplier for small and medium enterprises, agro-processing, digital work, and industrial value-addition. Give a young entrepreneur power, and you’ve given them a paycheck."
National Energy Compacts form the core of Mission 300's strategy. Developed with technical assistance from international organizations including Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) and ESMAP trust fund programs at the World Bank Group—these compacts focus on infrastructure improvements alongside policy changes tailored to each country’s needs.
Earlier this year Chad,Côte d'Ivoire,the Democratic Republic of Congo,Liberia,Madagascar,Mauritania,Niger,Nigeria,and other nations also endorsed similar energy compacts committing to over 400 policy actions aimed at strengthening utilities,reducing investor risk,and removing obstacles to expansion.
The following statements were made by African leaders regarding their commitments:
Duma Boko (President of Botswana): “This National Compact is our shared pledge to ensure accessible,reliable,and affordable energy as a basic human need,to transform our economy and create jobs,and to electrify our journey to an inclusive high-income country.”
Paul Biya (President of Cameroon): “The government of the Republic of Cameroon is committed through its Energy Compact,to a determined transition towards renewable energies,promoting inclusive universal access,and sustainable development based on partnerships and ambitious reforms to build a low-carbon future.”
Azali Assoumani (President of Comoros): “The Comoros Energy Compact is a call for collective action to achieve universal access to electricity by 2030,in order to ensure the country’s emergence in dignity,equity,and shared progress.”
Denis Sassou Nguesso (President of Republic of Congo): “In addition...the Republic of Congo has a certified hydroelectric potential...The Energy Compact will enable Congo...to export surplus energy...Harnessing this renewable...energy will cover more than one-third of Africa’s electricity needs...investors are invited within Mission 300.”
Taye Atske Selassie (President of Ethiopia): “Our National Energy Compact exemplifies Ethiopia’s unwavering dedication...By unlocking our vast renewable resources,strengthening regional interconnections,we aim to foster inclusive growth domestically..."
Adama Barrow (President,Gambia): “The Gambia’s Energy Compact reaffirms our commitment...Through partnerships,it aims to transform power supply – ensuring reliability,sustainability for all citizens.”
John Dramani Mahama (President,Ghana): “Ghana believes universal energy access is key...This goal can only be achieved through strong government–private sector partnerships,supported by an enabling environment for sustainable investment.”
Mamadi Doumbouya (President of Guinea): “The Republic of Guinea reaffirms its commitment ...while providing sufficient capacity ...through a transparent ...partnership with the private sector.”
William Ruto (President,Kenia): “Energy is a key enabler under ...Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda....transition our grid ...by 2030.”
Sam Matekane (Prime Minister,Lesthoho):“Mountain winds blow,warm waters flow,the sun shines brightest - Lesotho,the kingdom in sky.Universal access ...Invest in Lesotho.”
Daniel Chapo(President,Mozambique):“Mozambique is on track ...We welcome support from partners ...promote economic growth..."
Julius Maada Bio(President,Sierra Leone):“Our M300 Compact is most ambitious ...holds greatest promise for unlocking sustainable development..."
Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé(President,Togo Council):“We guarantee reliable,...electricity for all,...mobilizes private sector..."
Américo d'Oliveira dos Ramos(Prime Minister,São Tomé & Principe):“Our Compact provides forward-thinking framework ...raise US$190 million from private sector..."
Edouard Bizimana(Minister,Burundi ):“Republic Burundi has set ambitious targets ...Private sector participation crucial..."
For further information contact:
World Bank Group Media Relations: press@worldbank.org
African Development Bank Group: media@afdb.org
Websites: www.worldbank.org , https://www.afdb.org/