Africa’s 'Mission 300' electrification initiative surpasses 50 million mark

Africa’s ambitious Mission 300 electrification initiative has crossed a major milestone, connecting more than 50 million people to electricity across 40 countries.

The project intends to bring power to 300 million Africans by 2030.

The latest figure marks a significant increase from the 39 million people connected that was reported in March, underscoring the rapid pace of implementation under the programme jointly led by the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank Group.

According to the two institutions, Mission 300 is now delivering electricity access at nearly twice the pace recorded when the initiative was launched in 2024.

The programme is investing across the entire energy value chain, including power generation, transmission infrastructure and last-mile distribution, enabling both grid and off-grid connections to expand more quickly.

Several countries have recorded notable gains under the initiative.

In Tanzania, about 7.5 million people have gained access to electricity through Mission 300, representing a five-fold increase in the country's average annual electrification rate before the programme.

Ethiopia has connected 4.6 million people following reforms that lowered the cost of connecting households and businesses to the national grid.

The initiative's backers attribute the progress to a coordinated approach that aligns governments, development partners and private sector investors behind a shared electrification agenda.

The model has helped mobilise financing, strengthen policy reforms and accelerate the rollout of projects aimed at expanding energy access across the continent.

To support the effort, the African Development Bank Group and the World Bank Group have committed nearly $15 billion (Sh1.9 trillion) in financing and attracted about $4.5 billion (Sh582.6 billion) in co-financing for Mission 300-related projects. 

Other development partners have pledged more than $7 billion (Sh906.3 billion) to support Africa’s broader energy sector, helping unlock additional investments in underserved markets.

Private sector participation has also played a growing role in expanding access.

In Nigeria alone, more than 4.5 million people have been connected through private sector-led initiatives, supported by a combination of government reforms, grants, guarantees and concessional financing designed to reduce investment risks and improve commercial viability.

“Fifty million people connected is a milestone, but the bigger story is the pace and the partnership behind it. Mission 300 is helping countries move faster, connect more people, and build a platform that will last well beyond this effort, one others can use, build on, and scale for years to come,” said Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group.

“At the end of the day, electricity is not just about power. It is about what it enables: jobs, business, health care, education, and opportunity.”

The milestone comes as 30 African countries have already launched National Energy Compacts under Mission 300.