World Bank, AfDB Launch ‘Mission 300’ to Deliver Electricity to 300 Million Africans by 2030

The World Bank Group and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have unveiled a major push to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030, under an ambitious programme called Mission 300.

The announcement was made at the Bloomberg Philanthropies Global Forum in New York on Wednesday, where 17 African nations signed new Energy Compacts to fast-track investments, reforms, and infrastructure development.

The signatory countries include Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Cameroon, Comoros, Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, São Tomé and Principe, Sierra Leone, and Togo.

According to the World Bank, these tailored blueprints will guide public spending, unlock private investment, and support national electricity projects.

Electricity as the Bedrock of Growth

World Bank President Ajay Banga said Mission 300 is not just about access but about transformation.

“Electricity is the bedrock of jobs, opportunity, and economic growth. Mission 300 will slash costs, strengthen utilities, and attract investment,” he said.

AfDB President Dr. Sidi Ould Tah added:

“Reliable, affordable power is the fastest multiplier for SMEs, agro-processing, digital work, and industry. Give a young entrepreneur power, and you’ve given them a paycheck.”

So far, Mission 300 has connected 30 million people, with another 100 million in progress.

Country Commitments to Energy Access

• Botswana’s President Duma Boko pledged affordable energy as a national right.
• Cameroon’s President Paul Biya highlighted renewable energy for sustainable growth.
• Comoros’ President Azali Assoumani vowed universal electricity access by 2030.
• Congo’s President Denis Sassou Nguesso invited investors to tap hydro resources for regional supply.
• Ethiopia’s President Taye Atske Selassie emphasized renewable expansion and regional cooperation.
• Gambia’s President Adama Barrow promised to scale renewables and strengthen governance.
• Ghana’s President John Mahama tied universal energy access to poverty reduction.
• Guinea’s President Mamadi Doumbouya pledged clean, reliable power to fuel industrialisation.
• Kenya’s President William Ruto reaffirmed 100% clean energy by 2030.
• Lesotho’s Prime Minister Sam Matekane said renewable access is a national imperative.
• Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo projected becoming a regional electricity hub.
• Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio called the compact his nation’s most ambitious energy plan.
• Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbé promised clean power to drive industrialisation.
• São Tomé’s Prime Minister Américo dos Ramos set a target of raising $190 million from private investors.
• Burundi’s FM Edouard Bizimana urged private sector partnerships for electricity and clean cooking.

Earlier this year, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, and Zambia signed similar compacts.