Africa’s energy crisis and electrification solutions
AfDB and Mission 300 initiative for power access
Private sector and policy reforms in energy investment
At the “Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit” in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, AfDB President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina called for urgent action to address Africa’s energy crisis. Highlighting the severe impact of electricity shortages, he stated that over 571 million Africans lack power, contributing to 3-4% GDP losses annually. Adesina emphasized the importance of collaboration among governments, private sector players, and development partners to achieve Mission 300’s goal of providing electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030. He also urged African governments to prioritize investments in power infrastructure, last-mile connectivity, and regional energy-sharing agreements. “This summit must deliver megawatts of power, not just megawatts of talk,” Adesina stressed, reiterating the importance of accountability and private sector involvement. World Bank President Ajay Banga and Rockefeller Foundation President Dr. Rajiv Shah echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for African-led solutions, regulatory reforms, and private sector engagement. The summit also highlighted the broader socio-economic benefits of electrification, from education to economic growth.
