The declaration, adopted at the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit, is a major milestone in addressing Africa’s energy deficit, where more than 600 million people remain without electricity.

The Mission 300 initiative, supported by governments, development banks, private sector players, and philanthropic organizations, seeks to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030.

At the summit, partners committed over $50 billion in financing to accelerate energy expansion efforts.

The declaration will be submitted for formal adoption at the African Union Summit in February.

National Energy Compacts: Country-Specific Strategies

Twelve African nations—Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, and Zambia—introduced National Energy Compacts, outlining specific strategies for electricity expansion, renewable energy integration, and attracting private sector investment. The key priorities within these compacts include:

• Expanding affordable power generation and grid infrastructure.
• Enhancing regional energy cooperation for improved efficiency.
• Strengthening utility performance and advancing clean cooking solutions.
• Leveraging satellite and electronic mapping technologies for cost-effective electricity access solutions.

Successful execution of these plans will require strong political commitment, policy reforms, and the engagement of Mission 300 partners. Concessional financing will also play a crucial role in encouraging private investment in the energy sector.

Financial Commitments and New Investment Platforms

International development institutions announced significant funding pledges at the summit, reinforcing Africa’s energy development agenda:

• African Development Bank Group & World Bank Group: $48 billion for energy access initiatives through 2030.
• Agence Française de Développement (AFD): €1 billion for energy expansion.
• Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB): $1 billion – $1.5 billion in funding support.
• Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group: $2.65 billion between 2025 and 2030.
• OPEC Fund: $1 billion for energy access programs.

Additionally, the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank introduced Zafiri, an investment platform dedicated to scaling private sector-driven solutions such as renewable mini-grids and solar home systems.

The first phase of Zafiri will see anchor partners contributing $300 million, with the objective of mobilizing $1 billion to bridge Africa’s energy financing gap.

The commitments made at the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit underscore the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in addressing Africa’s energy challenges.  

“By integrating innovative financing mechanisms with policy reforms and private sector collaboration, Mission 300 is poised to deliver tangible results and improve millions of lives,” remarked a summit representative.

Summit Organization and Key Partners

The summit was hosted by the United Republic of Tanzania in collaboration with the African Union, the African Development Bank, and the World Bank Group. Strategic support was provided by key organizations including:

• The Rockefeller Foundation
• Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP)
• Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP)
• Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL)
• Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa

The programme, revealed by Microsoft Africa President Lillian Barnard, is designed to provide participants with industry-recognised certifications, preparing them for opportunities in the global digital economy.

This initiative builds on Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to enhance digital skills in Africa.

Over the past five years, the company has trained four million individuals across the continent and now aims to reach 30 million more within the next five years.

The new programme will focus on AI-driven technologies, cybersecurity fundamentals, and digital transformation, addressing the increasing demand for tech expertise in South Africa and beyond.

While Barnard did not disclose the financial investment behind the initiative, she underscored the importance of digital skills in shaping the future workforce.

By equipping individuals in business, government, and youth sectors with essential technological knowledge, Microsoft hopes to drive innovation, improve employability, and support economic growth across Africa.

As AI and cybersecurity become critical components of the digital economy, Microsoft’s initiative is expected to play a crucial role in bridging the skills gap in South Africa.