The just-concluded Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam marks a crucial turning point in the way Africa approaches its energy challenges. The summit emphasized the shift from fragmented national strategies to a more unified continental approach, supported by financial commitments and political will from across the continent.
African Leaders Address Energy Access Challenges
Ethiopia’s President Taye Astike Selassie Amde highlighted the significant gap in electricity access despite progress. “Although we’ve reached an overall access rate of 54%, 60 million citizens still lack electricity,” he stated.
Benin’s Vice President Miriam Chabi Talata shared her country’s transition from energy dependency to self-sufficiency, noting, “Since 2016, we’ve produced 50% of our electricity, ending dependency on Ghana and Nigeria.” Benin utilizes solar, thermal, and hydroelectric generation, fostering an environment for investment.
Ghana’s President John Mahama stressed the importance of proper implementation, particularly with state-owned utilities, saying, “You must get your last mile right and get the governance, especially if it’s a state-owned utility.”
Ethiopia Sets Aggressive Goal for Electricity Access
Summit participants endorsed ambitious goals, with President Amde stating Ethiopia aims for universal electricity access by 2028, requiring the electrification of 3.4 million households annually.
Private Sector Advocates for Bold Reforms
Private sector leaders, including IFC Managing Director Makhtar Diop, urged reforms, particularly in electricity transmission. “The private sector must play a larger role in financing Africa’s energy sector,” he emphasized. TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanné and AMEA Power Chairman Hussain Al Nowais also highlighted the importance of addressing infrastructure constraints and investing in distribution networks.
World Bank and African Development Bank Commit $48 Billion
The World Bank and African Development Bank committed $48 billion to support the energy transition in Africa. World Bank President Ajay Banga stressed that collective action is essential, stating, “No one can do it alone. Together we can.”
To further catalyze private investment, the IFC announced a new $1 billion fund for companies working on decentralized renewable energy and off-grid solar solutions across Africa.
France and Other Donors Commit to Supporting Africa’s Energy Future
French President Emmanuel Macron, via video link, pledged €1 billion for energy access in Africa, calling it “a shared fight” that can be won through cooperation. France also contributed €10 million to the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA), joining other countries such as Denmark, the UK, and Spain in increasing their contributions.
Progress and Challenges in Access to Electricity
African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina noted the growth in electricity access, with the share of the population with electricity rising from 39% in 2015 to 52% in 2024. However, with 571 million people still without access, Adesina stressed the need for decisive actions.
Dar es Salaam Declaration and Future Actions
The Dar es Salaam Declaration outlines commitments from governments to reforms in utility management, procurement transparency, and private sector participation through supportive regulations and innovative financing. Development partners have also pledged to increase concessional resources and technical support.
As Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema stated, the focus now shifts to translating commitments into tangible actions, with the African Union Summit in February 2025 set to adopt the Declaration continent-wide.
Energy Compacts and Clean Cooking Initiatives
The summit also saw twelve African countries present Energy Compacts, marking a critical step toward reform implementation. Countries such as Chad, Nigeria, Senegal, and Zambia will begin implementing reforms that serve as pilot projects for Mission 300.
Additionally, a major focus was placed on clean cooking, with innovative solutions like pay-as-you-cook LPG models and efficient biomass stoves being showcased. Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan emphasized, “This summit is about empowering families and lifting millions out of poverty, creating hope and opportunities for youth.”
The next 12-18 months will be pivotal in demonstrating whether this coordinated approach can deliver sustainable energy access across the continent.
