Seventeen African governments have endorsed reforms and action plans to expand electricity access under Mission 300, the World Bank has said.

The World Bank Group and African Development Bank Group lead the initiative, which aims to connect 300 million Africans by 2030.

The commitments were announced at the Bloomberg Philanthropies Global Forum in New York on Wednesday.

The new Energy Compacts were signed by Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Cameroon, Comoros, the Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, São Tomé and Principe, Sierra Leone, and Togo.

According to the World Bank, these blueprints will guide public spending, trigger reforms, and attract private investment into national electricity projects.

‘Growth And Opportunity’

The World Bank, in its report, noted that since the launch of Mission 300, it has connected 30 million people, with another 100 million in progress.

“Electricity is the bedrock of jobs, opportunity, and economic growth,” said World Bank President Ajay Banga.

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He stressed that Mission 300 was more than a target, adding it will “slash costs, strengthen utilities, and attract investment.”

“Reliable, affordable power is the fastest multiplier for small and medium enterprises, agro-processing, digital work, and industry. Give a young entrepreneur power, and you’ve given them a paycheck,” said AfDB President Dr Sidi Ould Tah.

Energy Compacts are central to Mission 300 and are tailored to each country’s infrastructure, financing, and policy needs.

Earlier this year, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, and Zambia endorsed similar compacts.

National Commitments From Leaders

Botswana’s President Duma Boko pledged accessible, reliable, and affordable energy as a basic national need.

Cameroon’s President Paul Biya committed to renewable energy to promote universal access and sustainable development.

Comoros’ President Azali Assoumani vowed to achieve universal electricity access by 2030.

Congo’s President Denis Sassou Nguesso invited investors to harness the vast hydro potential for regional power exports.

Ethiopia’s President Taye Atske Selassie stressed renewable growth and regional cooperation to end energy poverty.

Gambia’s President Adama Barrow pledged to scale renewables and improve governance for a reliable supply.

Ghana’s President John Mahama linked universal access to poverty reduction and equal opportunities.

Guinea’s President Mamadi Doumbouya promised reliable, clean power to drive industrialisation, especially in mining.

Kenya’s President William Ruto committed to 100% clean energy by 2030 under Kenya’s economic agenda.

Lesotho’s Prime Minister Sam Matekane called universal renewable access the country’s proud imperative.

Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo said his country is on track to meet targets and become a regional powerhouse.

Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio described the compact as the country’s most ambitious energy plan.

Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbé pledged clean, affordable power for all to boost industrialisation.

São Tomé and Principe’s Prime Minister Américo dos Ramos aimed to raise $190 million from private investors.

Burundi’s Foreign Minister Edouard Bizimana urged private sector participation to deliver electricity and clean cooking.