- SEFA secures $57 million from Germany and Italy to advance Mission 300 and green hydrogen initiatives.
- Projects such as the Obelisk solar facility and BURN clean cooking model demonstrate scalable, human-centred solutions.
Africa has taken a significant step in its energy transition. It secured $57 million to strengthen Mission 300 and advance climate action. The African Development Bank Group’s Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA), a multi-donor fund, will utilise these investments to expand access to renewable and clean energy across the continent.
The funding commitments were announced at a COP30 side event held at the Africa Pavilion on November 14. Germany pledged €14 million to support SEFA’s universal energy access goals. It also pledged €30 million for a new green hydrogen programme. These contributions show the strategic role of green hydrogen in Africa’s decarbonisation and industrial growth. Italy added €5 million, reinforcing its commitment to Africa’s energy transition.
Dr Katharina Stasch, Director-General for Climate Policy at Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), emphasised the partnership’s potential. She said joint efforts create mutual benefits, including new jobs, industrial growth, technology transfer, and diversified energy resources for Europe. Similarly, Roberto Amerise of Italy’s Ministry of Environment and Energy Security stressed the importance of attracting private investment. This investment will accelerate sustainable development across Africa.
Dr Kevin Kariuki, AfDB Vice-President for Power, Energy, Climate Change and Green Growth, described the commitments as “wind in the sails” for Mission 300. He highlighted SEFA’s central role in ensuring universal access to energy. The event also showcased Egypt’s Obelisk facility, a 1 GW solar PV project with a 200 MWh battery energy storage system, co-financed by AfDB and SEFA.
Participants also explored initiatives like BURN, an African clean cooking company supported by SEFA. BURN demonstrates how innovative models improve affordability and adoption. Speakers emphasised the importance of clear regulatory frameworks, scalable projects, and the efficient utilisation of declining renewable energy costs. These steps will attract private capital and advance a just energy transition.
Overall, the event underscored the importance of partnerships, blended finance, and policy certainty in achieving Africa’s clean energy objectives. With renewed momentum, Mission 300 shows that a just energy transition is achievable with coordinated effort.