Mission 300 Powers 50 Million Africans in Energy Expansion Push

The initiative has nearly doubled its electrification speed since inception, targeting both grid-connected and off-grid solutions for households, schools, and healthcare facilities. Tanzania stands out with 7.5 million new connections, achieving a rate five times its previous annual average through aggressive policy reforms. Similar gains appear in Ethiopia and Nigeria, which have added 4.6 million and 4.5 million people respectively, largely through private-sector projects backed by public financing.

Financial support remains a cornerstone of this growth, with the World Bank and African Development Bank committing $15 billion alongside $11.5 billion in co-financing and partner pledges. By offering guarantees and grants to mitigate investment risks, the program is making previously unattractive regions viable for energy providers. Thirty nations have already adopted National Energy Compacts to streamline these efforts, with several more countries expected to finalize their plans during this week's Africa Energy Forum. World Bank President Ajay Banga and African Development Bank President Sidi Ould Tah pointed to this milestone as a proof-of-concept for coordinated, large-scale development that links energy access directly to job creation and food security.