- The Rockefeller Foundation has committed an additional $10 million to support the Mission 300 initiative aimed at expanding electricity access in Africa.
- The funding will support electrification projects and technical assistance across at least 15 countries, targeting millions without power.
The Rockefeller Foundation has announced an additional $10 million in funding to support the Mission 300 electrification initiative. The programme aims to connect 300 million people in Africa to electricity by 2030.
The announcement was made during Mission 300 Day at the Africa Energy Indaba 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa. The initiative is a joint effort by the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank.
With the new funding, the Rockefeller Foundation will work with the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet. Together, they will accelerate electrification projects across at least 15 African countries.
Specifically, the initiative will provide technical support to Compact Delivery and Monitoring Units. These units are responsible for implementing National Energy Compacts.
Support activities have already started in Malawi and Liberia. In addition, technical assistance is ongoing in Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Senegal through earlier funding from RF Catalytic Capital.
According to William Asiko, Senior Vice President and Head of Africa at the Rockefeller Foundation, governments are increasing their commitment to energy sector reforms. These reforms aim to expand electricity access and drive economic growth. He noted that improved energy access will support critical sectors. These include healthcare, education, and agriculture.
Globally, more than 730 million people lack access to electricity. In Africa alone, about 600 million people remain without power. Research has shown that lack of electricity strongly links to extreme poverty. Therefore, expanding access remains a major development priority.
Mission 300 was launched to address this challenge. It combines grid expansion with decentralised renewable energy solutions. The initiative has connected about 44 million people to electricity. As a result, it continues to gain traction across sub-Saharan Africa.
Since the introduction of National Energy Compacts in 2025, several countries have adopted the framework. These compacts focus on policy reforms and investment strategies.
In addition, the Rockefeller Foundation confirmed ongoing support through the Mission 300 Accelerator. This programme provides technical assistance in Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal.
Andrew Herscowitz, CEO of RF Catalytic Capital’s Mission 300 Accelerator, said electricity access remains critical for development. He noted that it can unlock economic growth and improve livelihoods.
Meanwhile, Carol Koech, Vice President for Africa at the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), stressed the need for strong coordination. She said effective implementation will be key to achieving the initiative’s goals.
During the event, the Rockefeller Foundation also announced the expansion of technical assistance fellowships. It is implementing this effort in partnership with CoAction Global.
The fellowships will support electrification projects across at least 18 African countries. They aim to strengthen institutional capacity and delivery systems.
Mission 300 Fellows are providing support in several countries. These include Burundi, Chad, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Republic of Congo, Senegal, and Sierra Leone. The initiative is expected to accelerate electrification across the continent. It will also expand access to reliable power and support long-term economic development.