On January 27-28, 2025, the Africa Energy Summit will take place in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, organized by the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank Group. This pivotal event seeks to address Africa's energy access crisis through the Mission 300 initiative, which aims to provide electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030.
The summit will convene African leaders, international partners, philanthropic organizations, and private sector stakeholders to foster energy access and support the continent's shift toward clean energy solutions.
Franz Drees-Gross, World Bank Director of Infrastructure for West Africa, emphasized the urgency of the initiative, stating, "The time to act is now. Mission 300 represents not just an ambitious target but a movement... we are creating a lasting impact that will power Africa's growth and enable millions of people to access the essential services electricity provides."
Launched in April 2024, Mission 300 is a collaborative effort between the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and global partners, utilizing innovative technologies and financing to tackle the significant energy gap in Africa, where approximately 600 million people lack electricity.
Wale Shonibare, African Development Bank Director for Energy Financial Solutions, noted that the summit will introduce new initiatives to enhance domestic resource mobilization and encourage cross-border trade to increase financing for energy access.
Significant commitments are anticipated during the summit, including the signing of the Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration, where African governments will pledge to expedite energy access, promote renewable energy, and attract private investment. Twelve nations, including Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo, will commit to reforms in critical areas such as low-cost power generation and enhanced energy access.
The summit will also feature successful energy projects from across Africa and aim to establish an alliance of stakeholders to accelerate infrastructure investments.
Mission 300 combines traditional grid expansion with innovative off-grid solutions to reach remote communities, prioritizing sustainable financing models. Daniel Schroth, African Development Bank's Director for Renewable Energy, highlighted the tight timeline, stating, "It's a tight journey because 2030 is only five years away, and we have to deliver, not expected connections, but actual connections to 300 million by 2030." The summit is expected to draw over 1,000 participants from across Africa and beyond.