Nigeria, Tanzania, Ethiopia lead Africa electrification surge – Report

Tanzania, Nigeria, and Ethiopia are spearheading a significant electrification surge across Africa, collectively connecting more than 50 million people to electricity in under three years through a World Bank-backed initiative. The "Mission 300 Progress Report" details the progress of 85 electricity access projects in 40 African nations, aiming to achieve the ambitious goal of providing power to 300 million people by 2030.

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In Tanzania, for example, 7.5 million people have gained access to power under Mission 300, a five-fold increase in the average annual pace of electrification prior to the initiative, driven by increased financing and growing policy momentum.

Tanzania leads the charge, having connected 7.5 million people to power. This achievement represents a five-fold increase in the average annual pace of electrification, driven by enhanced financing and strong policy momentum. Ethiopia follows with approximately 4.67 million new connections, supported by reforms that made grid connections more affordable. Nigeria ranks third, having connected about 4.51 million people to electricity, contributing to the continent's overall progress.

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In Ethiopia, 4.6 million people have been connected, supported by reforms that made grid connections more affordable.

World Bank Group President Ajay Banga highlighted the milestone, emphasizing that "50 million people connected is a milestone, but the bigger story is the pace and the partnership behind it." He noted that the initiative is helping countries accelerate their electrification efforts and build sustainable platforms for future development. Electricity access, he stressed, is fundamental to enabling jobs, businesses, healthcare, education, and overall opportunity.

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50 million people connected is a milestone, but the bigger story is the pace and the partnership behind it.

However, the report also reveals persistent challenges, with eight countries yet to register a single new electricity connection despite ongoing or approved projects. This underscores the uneven progress across the continent and the need for continued focus and tailored strategies to address the diverse electrification needs of African nations.

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Mission 300 is helping countries move faster, connect more people, and build a platform that will last well beyond this effort, which others can use, build on, and scale for years to come. At the end of the day, electricity is not just about power. It is about what it enables: jobs, business, health care, education, and opportunity.