VISION FOR IMPACT
The World Bank Group (WBG) and the African Development Bank (AfDB), in collaboration with partners, have launched an ambitious mission to connect 300 million people to electricity in Africa by 2030. Known as Mission 300, this initiative provides a game-changing opportunity to lift millions out of energy poverty, unlock opportunities, and drive economic growth.
Under Mission 300, partners are finding the most practical and affordable ways to bring electricity to more people. Households, businesses, and institutions are connected through a mix of small-scale renewable solutions like solar systems and expanded power grids.
We deliver our support through targeted interventions that enable investment and expand access:
- Regional and national energy projects
- Innovative financial instruments
- De-risking solutions
- Knowledge and technical assistance
Mission 300 turns electricity access into economic opportunity. That means fixing the barriers that hold power back, reforming regulations and financing, and bringing in private investment, so households can thrive, businesses can grow, and entrepreneurs can put electricity to work.
THE CHALLENGE
Nearly 600 million Africans lack power. This represents 83% of the global energy deficit. There is a great urgency to accelerate the pace of electrification in the region and it is within our reach. Advances in technology, innovative business models, and financing mechanisms have made it more feasible than ever to close the energy access gap. Many African countries are already making strides toward universal electrification.
THE BENEFITS
Advances in technology, innovative business models, and competitive financing mechanisms are making it more achievable than ever to close the energy access gap.
For people: Electricity is a lifeline. It transforms everyday life across Africa, especially in rural or vulnerable communities, creating economic opportunities for everyone, particularly youth.
For economies: Under Mission 300, we’re supporting country-led solutions to deliver power. The goal is to identify a balanced, least-cost energy mix that can expand access at scale and drive modern economic development.
For jobs: A Mission 300 is improving the reliability and affordability of energy, enabling businesses to launch or expand. This drives innovation and lays the foundation for job creation.
Mission 300 Fact Sheet
News
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A POWERFUL PARTNERSHIP
Mission 300 is unique both in its scale and its approach. To succeed, the initiative will require extensive collaboration among a wide range of stakeholders:
The World Bank Group and the African Development Bank are scaling up financing and technical assistance to deliver energy access to 300 million people.
African governments are taking the lead on critical reforms and actions to modernize the energy sector encapsulated in a regional declaration and deep dive National Energy Compacts, setting measurable targets in five areas:
- Expanding cost-efficient power generation.
- Boosting regional power integration for cross-border trade.
- Scaling up last-mile electrification with distributed renewable energy solutions.
- Unlocking private investment through supportive regulatory frameworks.
- Strengthening utilities with transparent financial management and cost recovery.
The World Bank Group and the African Development Bank are scaling up financing and technical assistance to deliver energy access to 300 million people.
African governments are taking the lead on critical reforms and actions to modernize the energy sector encapsulated in a regional declaration and deep dive National Energy Compacts, setting measurable targets in five areas:
- Expanding cost-efficient power generation.
- Boosting regional power integration for cross-border trade.
- Scaling up last-mile electrification with distributed renewable energy solutions.
- Unlocking private investment through supportive regulatory frameworks.
- Strengthening utilities with transparent financial management and cost recovery.
The private sector is critical in scaling up energy access and distributed renewable energy solutions such as mini-grids and standalone solar systems. Private investment is equally vital in expanding generation, transmission and distribution. Achieving Mission 300 will demand effective public-private collaboration to unlock sustainable energy solutions.
Local communities and people are being put center-stage to ensure energy projects and investments are tailored to their needs and deliver maximum impact on the ground. This includes regular consultations and surveys throughout the design and implementation of projects.
Donors, philanthropies, and partners, such as the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP), the Sustainable Energy for Africa (SEFA), the Rockefeller Foundation, Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), are helping to mobilize more public and private financing to reach our goal.
The private sector is critical in scaling up energy access and distributed renewable energy solutions such as mini-grids and standalone solar systems. Private investment is equally vital in expanding generation, transmission and distribution. Achieving Mission 300 will demand effective public-private collaboration to unlock sustainable energy solutions.
Local communities and people are being put center-stage to ensure energy projects and investments are tailored to their needs and deliver maximum impact on the ground. This includes regular consultations and surveys throughout the design and implementation of projects.
Donors, philanthropies, and partners, such as the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP), the Sustainable Energy for Africa (SEFA), the Rockefeller Foundation, Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), are helping to mobilize more public and private financing to reach our goal.
