UNGA80: Global Energy Alliance Commits $16 Million to Boost Clean Energy Access Across Africa
At the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80), the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) unveiled a $16 million investment package aimed at accelerating clean energy access across Africa. The funding focuses on mini-grid solutions designed to bring reliable, affordable power to underserved communities, aligning with the broader Mission 300 initiative — a partnership of the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank (AfDB) seeking to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030.
Nigeria stands to gain significantly from the new commitment, with over $2 million earmarked for interconnected mini-grid projects in collaboration with RMI. The initiative is projected to add 100 megawatts (MW) of renewable capacity, build a pipeline of 500MW, and improve cost efficiency, ultimately powering hundreds of thousands of Nigerian homes and businesses. “Interconnected mini-grids are a game-changer for Nigeria’s energy future,” said Jon Creyts, CEO of RMI, noting the potential to cut diesel reliance and deliver affordable electricity to remote communities.
In addition to mini-grid funding, Nigeria will receive a $5 million allocation under the Demand Aggregation for Renewable Technology (DART 3.0) program, run by Odyssey Energy Solutions. This program aggregates clean-energy equipment demand across Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Madagascar, unlocking as much as $125 million in private investment while halving deployment timelines. “Mobilizing clean energy investments at scale is critical to achieving universal access and climate resilience,” said Emily McAteer, CEO of Odyssey.
Other African nations will also benefit from the GEAPP commitments. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is set to receive over $7 million through the government-backed Mwinda Fund to expand decentralized renewable energy, while South Africa will secure $1.5 million to support its Just Energy Transition Programme. GEAPP CEO Woochong Um highlighted that partnerships between governments, business and philanthropy are turning “ambition into real power, real jobs, and real opportunity for millions across the continent.”
These announcements come as African leaders, including Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, push for coordinated energy reforms to tackle persistent power shortages. Earlier this month, Tinubu outlined plans to ensure reliable electricity for hospitals and other critical facilities, warning that unreliable supply disrupts healthcare and endangers lives. With GEAPP’s latest funding, stakeholders hope to move beyond pledges to tangible energy solutions that can transform communities and fuel sustainable growth.
source: nairametrics