Dr. Akinwumi Adesina – President of the African Development Bank (AfDB)

The Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit took place on January 27-28, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This landmark event was hosted by the Government of Tanzania, the African Union, the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), and the World Bank Group (WBG). The summit convened African heads of state, business leaders, development partners, and civil society to advance the ambitious goal of providing electricity access to 300 million people by 2030, an initiative known as Mission 300. WORLDBANK.ORG During the summit, twelve African countries presented their National Energy Compacts, outlining specific policy measures to address constraints in their energy sectors and setting targets based on their unique contexts. These compacts are government-led and developed, often involving public consultations with civil society and other stakeholders. WORLDBANK.ORG Significant financial commitments were made to support Mission 300. The World Bank plans to invest between $30-40 billion, while the AfDB will contribute $10-15 billion. Additionally, the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) have pledged up to $6.15 billion to support Africa’s electrification efforts. REUTERS.COM The summit emphasized practical solutions to achieve the ambitious goal, from regulatory reforms to private sector engagement. There was a strong focus on clean cooking solutions to avoid health issues related to smoke exposure, which causes approximately 600,000 deaths annually in Africa. AFDB.ORG The firm commitments made by governments and partners at the summit demonstrate the unique power of the Mission 300 partnership. By combining government reforms, increased financing, and leveraging public-private partnerships, African countries are positioned to turn plans into action, delivering tangible benefits to millions of people. AFDB.ORG For more detailed information, you can visit the official summit website: MISSION300AFRICA.ORG Additionally, the East Africa Energy Cooperation Summit is scheduled for January 29-30, 2025, in Arusha, Tanzania. This summit aims to foster regional cooperation in the energy sector and will feature discussions on energy infrastructure, investment opportunities, and policy frameworks. EA-ECS.COM These events underscore Africa’s commitment to transforming its energy sector and achieving universal electricity access by 2030.