It's quite a stark reality: around 600 million people across Africa are still living without any electricity. That's a huge number, making up more than 80% of everyone on the planet who doesn't have power.
While the rest of the world has made decent progress in getting people connected over the last couple of decades, Africa's situation has unfortunately slowed down. Places like India and Bangladesh managed to bring power to hundreds of millions in less than ten years. Here, the number of people without electricity hasn't really budged much, which really shows how big and complicated this problem is.
Stalled progress compared to other regions
When you look at how other continents have managed to expand energy access, Africa's progress seems to have hit a bit of a wall. It's not for lack of trying in some areas, but the sheer scale of the need means that progress feels slower than it should be. This isn't just about numbers; it means millions of people are missing out on the basic opportunities that electricity provides. We're talking about things like being able to study after dark, run small businesses effectively, or even just keep essential medicines cool. It's a situation that needs a serious rethink.
The urgent need for universal energy access
Getting electricity to everyone isn't just a nice-to-have; it's becoming a necessity for development. Without it, schools struggle, clinics can't operate properly, and businesses can't grow. The demand for energy is set to skyrocket in the coming years, and if we don't act now, the gap between those with power and those without could actually widen. Achieving universal energy access is therefore not just a moral duty, but a strategic move that could significantly boost economic growth and improve lives across the continent.
Mission 300
Mission 300 is a pretty big initiative aimed at getting electricity to a huge number of people across Africa. The main idea is to connect 300 million people to power by the year 2030. It's a joint effort, with the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank leading the charge, bringing together governments, private companies, and other partners.
The primary goal of Mission 300 is straightforward yet monumental: to provide sustainable electricity access to 300 million people across Africa. This target is set against the backdrop of a continent where a vast population still lives without reliable power. Beyond simply connecting homes and businesses, the initiative aims to ensure that the energy provided is adequate, reliable, affordable, and clean.
This means focusing not just on quantity, but also on the quality and sustainability of the energy supply. The objectives extend to stimulating economic growth, creating jobs, and improving the overall quality of life. It's about powering industries, enabling education, and improving healthcare through consistent access to electricity. African governments play a central role, developing National Energy Compacts that outline specific reforms and actions tailored to their unique circumstances. The success of Mission 300 hinges on these clearly defined goals and the commitment to achieving them through practical, impactful projects.
Who is Involved in Mission 300?
Mission 300 is a big undertaking, and it's not just one organisation calling the shots. You've got the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank right at the centre, putting in a lot of financial backing and support for the reforms needed. But they aren't doing it alone. African governments are absolutely key here; they're the ones developing and putting into action what are called National Energy Compacts.
These are basically roadmaps for how they plan to get more electricity to people in a way that's affordable and reliable. On September 26, 2025, 17 African nations have already pledged concrete reforms and actionable plans to boost electricity access as part of this significant partnership.
At the Bloomberg Philanthropies Global Forum , national Energy Compacts — practical blueprints that guide public spending, trigger reforms, and attract private capital — were endorsed by Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Cameroon, Comoros, the Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, São Tomé and Principe, Sierra Leone, and Togo.
Earlier this year, Energy Compacts were endorsed by Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, and Zambia - together pledging to make more than 400 policy actions to strengthen utilities, reduce investor risk, and remove bottlenecks.
National Energy Compacts are at the core of Mission 300, developed and endorsed by governments with technical support from development partners. Tailored to each country's context, these practical blueprints integrate three core tracks—infrastructure, financing, and policy.
The equity investment vehicle Zafiri
On October 21, African Development Bank Group, The International Finance Corporation, and partner aorganizations appointed Inspired Evolution as the investment manager for Zafiri, a new decentralised renewable energy (DRE) equity investment vehicle targeting small-scale and decentralized renewable energy, to expand access to electricity and clean cooking solutions for tens of millions of people across sub-Saharan Africa.
Zafiri has a central role in Mission 300 and addresses one of Africa’s toughest energy-financing gaps by channelling long-term equity into distributed renewable energy (DRE) companies that are essential to last-mile access yet remain underfinanced by mainstream capital markets. Zafiri’s founding partners include IFC, AfDB, The Rockefeller Foundation, Trade and Development Bank Group (TDB Group), and Nordic Development Fund (NDF).
Inspired Evolution is an Africa-based investment firm focused on scaling clean energy and climate solutions across the continent. The company, founded in 2007 and headquartered in Cape Town, has financed more than 10 GW of renewable energy generation, supported 29 companies across 18 African countries, and manages over $850 million including co-investments, through its suite of Evolution funds.
Zafiri is structured as a permanent capital investment vehicle that provides long-term equity to expand clean energy access in underserved markets. The vehicle leverages concessional junior equity to de-risk private sector participation and mobilize commercial capital into scalable off-grid and decentralized energy solutions. Backed by an initial $300 million capitalization by 2026, Zafiri is expected to scale up to $1 billion to accelerate energy access in Africa.
Over its lifespan, Zafiri aims to facilitate new electricity connections and clean cooking access for more than 30 million people while supporting the growth of Africa’s DRE sector. Operations will commence in early 2026.
Success Stories and Challenges
Since the launch of Mission 300, 30 million people have already been connected, with more than 100 million in the pipeline.
A major point of discussion is the source of this new electricity. While the goal is clean energy, there's concern that some countries involved might still rely on fossil fuels, like gas, as a stepping stone. This worries people because fossil fuels contribute to climate change and can be more expensive in the long run, especially when cheaper renewable options are available.
There's also the question of debt. Many African nations are already struggling with significant debt, and taking on more loans, even if they're at lower interest rates, could make things worse. Critics argue that the mission needs to offer more than just loans, perhaps looking at grants or other ways to finance projects without adding to the financial strain on these countries. Simply connecting millions to power isn't enough if the underlying economic and environmental issues aren't properly addressed.
Energy Access in Niger
On October 4, 2025, African Development Bank Group’s President Sidi Ould Tah and Niger’s Prime Minister, Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine, have signed a $144.7 million financing agreement to improve energy access and private sector competitiveness. The agreement, signed at the institution’s headquarters in Abidjan, provides budgetary support from the African Development Fund, the Bank Group's concessional financing window. It enables the Nigerien government to implement Phase 1 of the transformative Energy Sector Governance and Competitiveness Support Programme (PAGSEC).
The support from the African Development Fund will increase national electricity access from 22.5% to 30% by 2026, while boosting the manufacturing sector’s contribution to GDP from 2.5% to 3.8%. A key component of the project focuses on developing renewable energy capacity, with plans for 240 MW of solar power by 2030, including 50 MW by December 2026.
The high-impact Energy Sector Governance and Competitiveness Support Programme prioritizes social inclusion, and specialized support for internally displaced persons, women, and young persons.
With more than 507,000 internally displaced people due to security challenges in the Sahel region, PAGSEC has outlined a social and economic inclusion programme to cushion vulnerable communities. It will also establish high-level coordination mechanisms and update national energy policies to create a favourable environment for private-sector participation in mini-grid developments crucial for rural electrification.
Unlocking capital for energy access in Africa
The significant financing gap
Getting electricity to everyone in Africa is a massive undertaking, and it needs a lot of money. We're talking about billions upon billions of pounds that are needed to make universal energy access a reality. The problem is, the amount of money currently being put into these projects just isn't enough. It's a huge shortfall, and without closing this gap, progress will remain slow. This isn't just about numbers; it's about people's lives and the continent's future development.
Leveraging private sector participation
To bridge this funding gap, we really need to get the private sector more involved. Companies and investors have the capital, and with the right incentives and clear regulations, they can play a much bigger role. It's about making energy projects attractive and viable for them, so they see the benefit in investing. This could mean creating clearer investment frameworks or offering some form of protection against risks, making these projects seem less daunting.
Innovative financing models and blended finance
Beyond just getting private companies to invest, we need smarter ways to fund these projects. This is where things like blended finance come in. It's a clever approach that mixes different types of funding – like public money, private investment, and even charitable donations – to make projects work. By combining these sources, we can reduce the risk for private investors and make larger, more ambitious projects possible. We've already seen some promising examples of this working in places like Kenya and Mozambique, showing that these creative financial strategies can really make a difference when everyone works together.
Key levers for transforming Africa's energy future
Transforming Africa's energy landscape requires a multi-pronged approach, focusing on several key areas. Strengthening government planning and reforms is paramount, setting the stage for effective policy implementation and regulatory frameworks that encourage investment and innovation. This includes developing clear, long-term energy strategies that align with national development goals and create a stable environment for all stakeholders.
Alongside robust planning, upgrading national grid infrastructure is vital. Many existing grids are outdated and under-developed, limiting their capacity to deliver reliable power and hindering industrial growth. Modernising and expanding these networks is a significant undertaking, but it's essential for ensuring electricity can reach more people and businesses efficiently. This infrastructure development can be significantly accelerated within this decade through the strategic application of key levers.
Furthermore, scaling decentralised renewable energy solutions offers a powerful pathway to reach underserved populations. Mini-grids and solar home systems are proving particularly effective in remote areas where extending the national grid is economically unfeasible.
The falling costs of solar technology make these off-grid solutions increasingly attractive and viable for bringing power to millions who currently lack it. This approach complements grid expansion, creating a more resilient and widespread energy system across the continent.
The role of renewable energy in energy access
Africa's vast untapped renewable potential
Africa is sitting on a goldmine of renewable energy resources, particularly solar. We're talking about 60% of the world's best solar potential, yet we're only using a tiny fraction of it. It's a bit like having a huge pantry full of food but still going hungry. Instead of relying on expensive and polluting diesel generators, which cost billions each year, we have this incredible opportunity right in front of us. Harnessing these natural gifts is key to providing reliable and affordable power to millions.
The declining cost of solar technology
Good news is that solar power is getting cheaper all the time. This makes it a much more sensible option, especially for areas far from the main electricity grid. It means we can bring power to remote villages and communities that have been left behind for too long. It’s not just about electricity; it’s about giving people the chance to improve their lives.
Creating local green manufacturing hubs
As we build more renewable energy systems, there's a real chance to create jobs right here in Africa. Instead of importing everything, we can start making solar panels and other green tech locally. This not only helps the economy but also means we have more control over our energy future. It’s a win-win situation that can lead to millions of new jobs and a more sustainable continent.
Energy access as a driver for socioeconomic development
Powering schools, clinics, and businesses
It's easy to think of electricity as just lights and appliances, but in many parts of Africa, it's so much more. When communities gain reliable power, it's like a switch is flipped on for progress. Think about schools: with electricity, students can study after dark, use computers, and access digital learning resources that were previously out of reach. Healthcare facilities can store medicines properly, power essential equipment, and provide better care, especially during emergencies. Businesses, from small workshops to larger enterprises, can operate more efficiently, extend their hours, and adopt new technologies. This basic access to energy is the foundation upon which so many other improvements are built.
Enabling job creation and economic growth
Beyond the immediate benefits, consistent energy access acts as a powerful engine for economic expansion. Industries can develop and grow when they have a stable power supply, leading to more manufacturing and production. New businesses can emerge, creating employment opportunities for local populations. Entrepreneurs find it easier to start and run their ventures, contributing to a more dynamic economy. The ripple effect is significant; as more people find work and economic activity increases, the overall prosperity of the region can rise. It's about creating a positive cycle where energy enables productivity, which in turn fuels growth.
Improving health and education outcomes
When we talk about energy access, the impact on health and education is profound. Reliable electricity in homes means families aren't exposed to harmful fumes from traditional cooking methods, leading to better respiratory health. It also allows for better sanitation and access to clean water through powered pumps. In education, as mentioned, it extends learning hours and opens up new educational possibilities. The connection between energy, health, and education is undeniable; providing power is a direct investment in human capital. When people are healthier and better educated, they are more capable of contributing to society and achieving their full potential.
