Mission 300 Lights Up Africa: Over 50 Million People Gain Electricity Access in Two Years

The World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have announced a major milestone under Mission 300, revealing that more than 50 million Africans across 40 countries have gained access to electricity since the initiative was launched in 2024. The achievement represents nearly one-fifth of the programme’s ambitious target of connecting 300 million people to power by 2030, bringing renewed hope to millions of households and businesses still living without reliable electricity.

Mission 300 was created to tackle Africa’s long-standing energy deficit through investments in power infrastructure, financing, and policy reforms. With over 565 million Africans still lacking access to electricity, the initiative aims to accelerate economic growth by providing affordable and dependable energy. Countries including Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Nigeria have emerged among the early beneficiaries, with millions of people already connected to the grid through projects supported by the programme.

Speaking on the progress made so far, World Bank President Ajay Banga described Mission 300 as a platform that is helping countries move faster in expanding electricity access while laying the groundwork for long-term energy development. He emphasized that electricity is more than just a source of power, noting that it supports job creation, strengthens businesses, improves healthcare services, and opens up educational opportunities for communities across the continent.

AfDB President Sidi Ould Tah said the initiative has the potential to transform lives beyond electrification. According to him, improved access to power can boost food security through affordable irrigation, enhance healthcare by supporting medicine storage, and create greater economic opportunities for millions of Africans. He stressed that Mission 300 should serve as a catalyst for broader social and economic development across the region.

To sustain momentum, the World Bank and AfDB have committed nearly $15 billion to the programme and secured an additional $4.5 billion in co-financing, while development partners have pledged more than $7 billion in support. The initiative is also driving energy-sector reforms, with 30 African countries already implementing National Energy Compacts aimed at strengthening power systems and expanding access. As more countries join the effort and billions of dollars continue to flow into energy projects, Mission 300 is increasingly positioning itself as one of Africa’s most ambitious and transformative electrification programmes.

source: nairametrics