African leaders commit to expanding energy access at Mission 300 Summit
In a landmark commitment to transform Africa’s energy landscape, thirty African Heads of State and governments pledged to accelerate access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity. The declaration was made during the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit, a high-profile two-day event in Tanzania’s commercial capital, Dar es Salaam.
As part of this commitment, Mission 300 partners have pledged more than $50 billion to support energy access initiatives across the continent. This substantial investment is expected to serve as a cornerstone for job creation, economic growth, and improved quality of life, particularly for Africa’s rapidly growing youth population.
Achieving the goals set out in the National Energy Compacts will require sustained political will, long-term vision, and close collaboration between governments and Mission 300 partners. Key measures include comprehensive policy reforms, increased concessional financing, and strategic partnerships with development banks and philanthropic organisations to attract private sector investment.
ARE also attended the summit to represent the decentralised renewable energy sector. ARE CEO David Lecoque emphasised the significance of the commitments made, stating: “ARE has been proud to highlight the tangible impact of the decentralised renewable energy sector at this landmark event and to engage with Mission 300 partners at the highest levels. The details are still unfolding and the fine print is not yet clear, but if this capital is deployed within this timeframe, it is a new dawn for energy access in Africa.”
As Africa moves toward achieving universal energy access, Mission 300 is set to play a defining role in unlocking the continent’s economic potential and fostering sustainable development.
