Across Africa, a quiet revolution is underway, powered not by grand infrastructure projects alone, but by the simple act of flipping a switch. For decades, hundreds of millions have lived without reliable electricity, hindering economic growth, limiting access to education and healthcare and perpetuating cycles of poverty. But a surge in new funding, coupled with innovative approaches to energy delivery, is beginning to change that, bringing light – and opportunity – to communities previously left in the dark. This expansion of electricity access isn’t just about convenience; it’s about unlocking human potential and building a more equitable future.
In Mathare, a sprawling informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya, Agnes Mbesa’s story is becoming increasingly common. For years, her small shop operated on borrowed time, closing with the setting sun. The cost and danger of kerosene lamps limited her hours and posed health risks to her family. Now, thanks to a connection facilitated by Kenya’s Last Mile Connectivity Project, a single bulb illuminates her shop well into the evening, attracting customers and boosting her income. Hundreds of kilometers away, in the lakeside village of Sori, fisherman Samuel Oketch is experiencing a similar transformation. A newly installed solar mini-grid has enabled him to purchase a freezer, preserving his catch and allowing him to negotiate better prices with buyers.
A Wave of New Investment
These individual stories are part of a larger trend fueled by significant financial commitments from both philanthropic organizations and governments. In March, the European Investment Bank (EIB) pledged over $1.15 billion for renewable energy projects across sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on hydropower, solar, wind, and crucial grid expansion. The EIB’s commitment, as stated by President Nadia Calviño, is a direct investment in providing “cleaner, more affordable, and reliable energy for hundreds of millions of people in Africa.” Simultaneously, the Rockefeller Foundation announced a $10 million investment at the Africa Energy Indaba in Cape Town, South Africa, to bolster electrification programs in at least 15 African countries. This funding will be channeled through the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, strengthening national programs and driving essential government reforms.
“African governments are choosing to transform their energy sectors by committing to national energy compacts and investing in African-led solutions,” explained William Asiko, senior vice president at the Rockefeller Foundation. This shift towards locally-driven initiatives is seen as crucial for long-term sustainability and impact.
Beyond the Grid: Mini-Grids and Off-Grid Solutions
The investments are largely focused on supporting the ambitious Mission 300 initiative, a joint effort by the World Bank and the African Development Bank. Mission 300 aims to connect 300 million people in sub-Saharan Africa to electricity by 2030, employing a two-pronged approach: expanding national grids and deploying decentralized solutions like mini-grids and off-grid solar systems. Traditional grid expansion faces significant challenges across Africa, including unreliable infrastructure and vast distances between communities. Mini-grids, small-scale, localized power systems typically powered by solar or hybrid sources, are proving to be a vital alternative, offering a cost-effective and efficient way to bring electricity to rural areas.
Off-grid systems, such as stand-alone solar home systems, provide an even more direct solution, particularly for households in remote locations. These systems allow individuals to bypass the grid entirely, providing immediate access to power for lighting, charging phones, and powering small appliances. According to the International Energy Agency, off-grid solar has already provided electricity to over 100 million people in Africa. The IEA’s Africa Energy Outlook 2023 details the rapid growth and potential of these systems.
National Programs and Regional Impact
The Mission 300 initiative is actively providing technical assistance to governments in countries like Malawi and Liberia, helping them develop robust national energy plans, expand transmission networks, and improve the overall efficiency of their electricity distribution systems. In Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Senegal, the focus is on providing local currency financing and facilitating pooled procurement to reduce costs and streamline the process of acquiring essential equipment. Andrew Herscowitz, CEO of the Mission 300 Accelerator at RF Catalytic Capital, emphasizes that sustained financing and improved implementation capacity are critical for scaling up access. “Energy access is key to unlocking human potential and economic development,” he stated.
Kenya’s Last Mile Connectivity program, supported by funding from the World Bank and the African Development Bank since 2017, serves as a successful model. The program focuses on connecting households near existing transformers, particularly in rural areas and informal settlements. Rural access to electricity in Kenya has risen dramatically, reaching approximately 68% in 2023, a significant increase from just under 7% in 2010. Similar programs are underway across eastern and southern Africa, with World Bank initiatives aiming to expand access in up to 20 countries over the next seven years through renewable energy projects. Across the region, approximately 48% of the population has access to electricity, but this figure drops to 26% in rural areas, highlighting the urgent need for continued investment and targeted interventions.
For Agnes Mbesa, the impact of the Last Mile Connectivity Project is tangible. The simple act of having electricity has extended her working hours, increased her income, and provided a safer environment for her children to study. “Electricity changes everything,” she says. “Once you have it, life starts moving forward.”
The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
Looking ahead, the focus will be on ensuring the long-term sustainability of these electrification efforts. The World Bank and African Development Bank are scheduled to release a progress report on the Mission 300 initiative in December 2024, outlining key achievements and identifying remaining challenges. Continued investment, coupled with strong government policies and community engagement, will be essential to achieving the goal of universal electricity access in Africa.
What are your thoughts on the role of renewable energy in Africa’s development? Share your comments below, and please share this article with your network.
Keep reading
