17 African Countries Back Reforms To Expand Electricity Access — World Bank

17 African Countries Back Reforms To Expand Electricity Access — World Bank

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According to the World Bank, seventeen African governments have approved reforms and action plans to improve access to electricity under Mission 300.

The initiative, which aims to connect 300 million Africans by 2030, is led by the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank Group.

On Wednesday, the commitments were made public at the New York-based Bloomberg Philanthropies Global Forum.

Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, So Tomé and Principe, Sierra Leone, and Togo all signed the new Energy Compacts.

These blueprints, according to the World Bank, will guide public spending, spur reforms, and entice private investment in national electricity projects.

“Growth And Opportunity”

According to the World Bank, Mission 300 has connected 30 million people, with 100 million more still connected, as of its release.

Ajay Banga, president of the World Bank, said that “electricity is the foundation of jobs, opportunities, and economic growth.”

CBN also warns that Naira Abuse “inflates printing costs.”

He emphasized that Mission 300 is more than just a goal, adding that it will “slash costs, strengthen utilities, and draw in investment.”

The quickest multiplier is “reliable, affordable power for small and medium enterprises, agro-processing, digital work, and industry.” You’ve given a young entrepreneur a paycheck, according to AfDB President Dr. Sidi Ould Tah.

Sidi Ould Tah, the new AfDB president,

Mission 300’s guiding principles for energy compacts are specific to each nation’s infrastructure, funding, and policy requirements.

Similar compacts were approved earlier this year by Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Liberia, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, and Zambia.

Leaders’ National Commitments

As a fundamental national need, Botswana’s president Duma Boko pledged access to affordable, reliable, and affordable energy.

Cameroon President Paul Biya speaks as he meets with French former hostages at the presidential palace in Yaounde on April 19, 2013. AFP PHOTO / REINNIER KAZE
President of Cameroon Paul Biya addresses French hostages on April 19, 2013, in this photo taken at the presidential palace in Yaounde. REINNIER KAZE PHOTO

Paul Biya, president of Cameroon, pledged to support renewable energy in order to promote sustainable development and universal access.

By 2030, Comoros’ President Azali Assoumani vowed to have universal access to electricity.

Denis Sassou Nguesso, president of the Congo, urged investors to exploit the country’s vast hydro potential for exports of regional power.

Taye Atske Selassie, president of Ethiopia, emphasized regional cooperation and renewable energy growth.

Adama Barrow, the president of the Gambia, pledged to increase renewable energy sources and strengthen governance.

On April 22, 2025, Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama attends the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Accra. (Photo by Nipah Dennis/AFP)

John Mahama, president of Ghana, cited equal opportunities and universal access as two key factors.

Mamadi Doumbouya, president of Guinea, promised to use trustworthy, clean energy to spur industrialization, particularly in the mining sector.

Under Kenya’s economic agenda, Kenya’s president, William Ruto, pledged to have 100% renewable energy by 2030.

Kenya
File: On June 26, 2024, Kenya’s President, William Ruto, addresses journalists at the State House in Nairobi. (Photo by SIMON MAINA/AFP)

Sam Matekane, the prime minister of Lesotho, described universal renewable access as the nation’s cherished right.

Daniel Chapo, president of Mozambique, stated that his nation is on track to meet goals and establish regional dominance.

On December 10, 2023, during the 64th Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Head of States and Government Ordinary Session in Abuja, Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio speaks. (Photo by Kola Sulaimon/AFP)

The compact, according to Sierra Leone’s president Julius Maada Bio, is the country’s most ambitious energy plan.

To promote industrialization, Togo’s president, Faure Gnassingbé, pledged clean, affordable power to everyone.

Américo dos Ramos, the prime minister of So Tomé and Principe, aimed to raise $ 190 million from private investors.

Source: Channels TV

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