17 countries commit to concrete plans to expand electricity access as Mission 300 gathers pace
At the Bloomberg Philanthropies Global Forum, National Energy Compacts—practical roadmaps that guide public investment, drive reforms, and attract private capital—were formally endorsed by: Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Cameroon, Comoros, the Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, São Tomé and Príncipe, Sierra Leone, and Togo
KAMPALA, September 25, 2025 — Seventeen African governments have committed to bold reforms and actionable plans to expand electricity access as part of Mission 300—an ambitious partnership led by the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank Group, aiming to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030.
At the Bloomberg Philanthropies Global Forum, National Energy Compacts—practical roadmaps that guide public investment, drive reforms, and attract private capital—were formally endorsed by: Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Cameroon, Comoros, the Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, São Tomé and Príncipe, Sierra Leone, and Togo.
“Electricity is the bedrock of jobs, opportunity and economic growth,” said Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group. “That’s why Mission 300 is more than a target—it is driving enduring reforms that cut costs, strengthen utilities and attract private investment.”
Since the launch of Mission 300, 30 million people have already been connected to electricity, with more than 100 million additional connections in the pipeline.
“Reliable, affordable power is the fastest multiplier for small and medium enterprises, agro-processing, digital work and industrial value addition,” said Dr Sidi Ould Tah, President of the African Development Bank Group. “Give a young entrepreneur power, and you’ve given them a paycheck.”
National Energy Compacts lie at the heart of Mission 300. Developed and endorsed by governments with technical assistance from development partners, these tailored blueprints align around three core pillars: infrastructure, finance, and policy reform.
Earlier this year, Energy Compacts were also endorsed by Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania and Zambia—together committing to over 400 policy actions to strengthen utilities, reduce investor risk and eliminate structural bottlenecks.
The World Bank Group and African Development Bank Group are working in collaboration with partners including the Rockefeller Foundation, the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet [GEAPP], Sustainable Energy for All [SEforALL], and the World Bank’s Energy Sector Management Assistance Program [ESMAP]. Many development partners and finance institutions are also co-financing and providing technical support for Mission 300 initiatives.
African Heads of State and Ministers committing to Mission 300 energy compacts speak out
Duma Boko, President of Botswana said: “This National Compact is our shared pledge to ensure accessible, reliable and affordable energy as a basic human need, to transform our economy, create jobs and electrify our journey to becoming an inclusive high-income country.”
Paul Biya, President of the Republic of Cameroon said: “The Government of the Republic of Cameroon is committed, through its Energy Compact, to a determined transition towards renewable energies, promoting inclusive, universal access and sustainable development based on partnerships and ambitious reforms to build a low-carbon future.”
Azali Assoumani, President of the Union of the Comoros: “The Comoros Energy Compact is a call for collective action to achieve universal electricity access by 2030, ensuring the country’s emergence through dignity, equity and shared progress.”
Denis Sassou Nguesso, President of the Republic of the Congo: “With abundant solar and gas resources and a certified hydroelectric potential of nearly 27,000 MW—with over 100,000 MW under study—the Republic of the Congo is poised to achieve universal access, supply industry in economic and mining zones, and export surplus energy. By harnessing this renewable and sustainable power, we can meet over one-third of Africa’s electricity needs. Having liberalised the electricity sector, we invite investors to participate in profitable, sustainable ventures under Mission 300.”
Taye Atske Selassie, President of Ethiopia said: “Our National Energy Compact exemplifies Ethiopia’s unwavering commitment to delivering universal, affordable and sustainable energy access. By unlocking our vast renewable resources and strengthening regional interconnections, we aim to foster inclusive domestic growth and contribute to ending energy poverty across Africa.”
Adama Barrow, President of The Gambia said: “The Gambia’s Energy Compact reaffirms our commitment to universal electricity access by 2030. It focuses on scaling renewables, strengthening infrastructure, integrating the private sector and improving governance—to ensure reliable, affordable and sustainable energy for all.”
John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana said: “Universal energy access is key to empowering businesses, reducing poverty and creating equal opportunities. Achieving this requires strong partnerships between government and the private sector, underpinned by an enabling investment environment.”
Mamadi Doumbouya, President of Guinea: “Guinea reaffirms its commitment to ensuring universal access to reliable, clean and affordable electricity by 2030—supporting industrialisation, especially in the mining sector, through transparent and constructive private sector partnerships.”
William Ruto, President of Kenya: “Energy is a key enabler under the infrastructure pillar of Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. Our Energy Compact anchors our commitment to universal access to electricity and clean cooking, and a full transition to clean energy by 2030.”
Sam Matekane, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Lesotho said: “Mountain winds blow, waters flow, and the sun shines brightest—Lesotho, the Kingdom in the Sky. Universal access to renewable energy is our proud imperative. Experience elevation with agility and scale. Be part of our journey. Invest in Lesotho.”
Daniel Chapo, President of Mozambique said: “Mozambique is on track to meet Mission 300 targets and consolidate our position as a regional energy powerhouse. By exporting our abundant, affordable and clean energy, we aim to achieve universal access, foster economic growth and promote green industrialisation and regional integration.”
Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone said: “Our M300 Compact is the most ambitious and comprehensive energy infrastructure plan ever developed for Sierra Leone. Backed by evidence and data, this plan holds the greatest promise for unlocking inclusive and sustainable development.”
Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Togolese Republic said: “We are guaranteeing reliable, affordable and clean electricity for all, along with access to clean cooking. This Compact mobilises the private sector to accelerate industrialisation and position Togo as a competitive energy hub.”
Américo d’Oliveira dos Ramos, Prime Minister of São Tomé and Príncipe said: “Our Compact offers a forward-looking framework for inclusive and sustainable growth. Through bold reforms and innovative business models, we aim to mobilise US$ 190 million in private sector financing to achieve universal access.”
Edouard Bizimana, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Burundi said:“Burundi has set ambitious targets for electricity and clean cooking access to drive social and economic development. Achieving these goals will require active private sector participation.”
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