- Mission 300 has connected more than 50 million people across 40 African countries, with Nigeria accounting for over 4.5 million new connections.
- The World Bank and AfDB have committed nearly $15 billion to the programme, alongside $4.5 billion in co-financing.
Nigeria, Tanzania and Ethiopia have emerged as major beneficiaries of Mission 300, which has connected more than 50 million people to electricity across 40 African countries.
The World Bank Group and African Development Bank (AfDB) Group announced the milestone as the programme advances towards its target of connecting 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030.
Nigeria has connected more than 4.5 million people through private sector-led projects supported by Mission 300. Meanwhile, Tanzania has connected 7.5 million people, while Ethiopia has provided electricity access to 4.6 million people.
Tanzania Records Strong Electrification Growth
Tanzania recorded one of Mission 300’s strongest results. The programme has helped connect 7.5 million people to electricity in the country.
As a result, Tanzania has increased its average annual electrification rate fivefold compared with its performance before Mission 300 launched in 2024.
Ethiopia has also expanded electricity access through policy reforms. In particular, reforms that reduced grid connection costs have helped improve affordability for households and businesses.
Mission 300 Accelerates Energy Access
The World Bank and AfDB said Mission 300 now delivers electricity access at nearly twice the pace recorded when the initiative began.
Importantly, the programme combines investments across the electricity value chain. These investments cover generation, transmission, distribution and off-grid energy solutions.
The initiative also aims to attract more private investment into underserved markets. To achieve this, development partners combine policy reforms with grants, guarantees and concessional financing.
This approach helps reduce investment risks and improve the commercial viability of energy projects. Consequently, private investors can participate more actively in expanding electricity infrastructure.
$15bn Committed To Mission 300
The World Bank Group and AfDB have committed nearly $15 billion to Mission 300 projects. In addition, the financing has leveraged about $4.5 billion in co-financing.
Other development partners have also pledged more than $7 billion to support Africa’s energy sector. Together, these commitments provide additional financing for electricity generation, networks and access programmes.
National Energy Compacts provide the framework for implementing the initiative at country level. These country-led plans focus on stronger energy systems, affordable power generation, renewable energy, regional integration and greater private sector participation.
Thirty African countries have launched their Energy Compacts. Meanwhile, Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, Djibouti, Gabon, Rwanda and Uganda are expected to unveil their compacts during the Africa Energy Forum.
World Bank, AfDB Call For Greater Action
World Bank Group President Ajay Banga said the milestone reflects both the number of new connections and the pace of delivery. Mission 300 is helping countries move faster, connect more people and build a platform that can be scaled for years to come. Banga also linked electricity access to broader economic and social outcomes.
“Electricity is about more than power – it creates opportunities for jobs, businesses, healthcare and education.”
AfDB President Sidi Ould Tah described the 50-million milestone as a springboard for further action. He called on governments, development partners and private investors to increase their efforts towards the 2030 target.
Launched in 2024, Mission 300 brings together the World Bank Group and AfDB Group with partners including The Rockefeller Foundation, Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) and Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL).
Ultimately, the programme seeks to address Africa’s persistent electricity deficit while expanding access to reliable and affordable power. At the same time, its partners aim to use wider electricity access to support economic growth across the continent.