Powering Africa: ESMAP at the Core of Mission 300
Powering Africa: ESMAP at the Core of Mission 300
On April 17, 2024, the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank joined forces to launch Mission 300, a transformative program to bring electricity to at least 300 million Africans by 2030. The ambitious initiative builds on years of groundwork, much of it led by the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP), and is critical to the jobs agenda for Africa’s growing youth population as electricity is the backbone of any economy and the development of vibrant businesses.
Laying the Foundation: Electrification Compacts
A major milestone for Mission 300 was the announcement of 12 countries’ Electrification Compacts at the Africa Energy Summit at the end of January 2025. These compacts, outlining how each government will accelerate access to electricity, are built on ESMAP-supported national electrification strategies and least-cost access plans.
ESMAP has worked hand-in-hand with officials and development partners to create integrated energy access strategies, ensuring they are cost-effective and sustainable. This includes mobilizing grant funding for distributed renewable energy (DRE) projects, tapping into climate financing, and championing innovative solutions like mini-grids and standalone solar systems. About half of the Mission 300 target will be achieved via distributed renewable energy, increasing connections in underserved areas and boosting their resilience.
Mission 300: A Collaborative Effort
Achieving the bold goals of Mission 300 requires collective action with donors like the Rockefeller Foundation and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet joining the initiative. ESMAP channels resources from partners to fund technical assistance, feasibility studies, and project design. ESMAP ensures every dollar works toward lighting up communities across Africa.
Leadership in Clean Energy Access
For decades, ESMAP has spearheaded clean energy initiatives, setting the stage for large-scale projects like the Nigeria Electrification Project and the Kenya National Electrification Strategy. The Nigeria Electrification Project, launched in 2018, has transformed lives by delivering renewable energy to underserved areas. By November 2024, nearly 6 million Nigerians had access to electricity through more than 170 mini-grids and almost 1.2 million standalone solar systems. In the end, it will provide new or improved electricity access to over 17 million people. The project also equipped 100 COVID-19 treatment centers with solar power and attracted robust private sector participation.
Similarly, the Kenya National Electrification Strategy has revolutionized Kenya’s electrification journey. With ESMAP’s support, Kenya’s access rate surged from a mere 20 percent in 2013 to 75 percent by 2021, combining grid and off-grid solutions to leave no one behind.
Game-Changing Programs: ASCENT and DARES
Mission 300’s backbone includes visionary programs like ASCENT and DARES. The former, with $5 billion in IDA financing, aims to electrify 100 million people across Sub-Saharan Africa. DARES focuses on scaling distributed renewable energy systems, as seen in the $750 million Nigeria DARES project.
ESMAP supported the preparation and design of these milestone programs and now helps to implement them. Through its Electrifying Africa program, ESMAP financed a series of project preparation missions, analytical and feasibility studies, stakeholder engagement, and expert support.
Driving Change, Illuminating Lives
ESMAP’s impact is undeniable. Over the past four years, it has enabled electricity access for 37 million people globally, including 28.5 million in Africa, through its support of 182 energy access activities backed by $97.2 million in grants.
With a mission rooted in expertise, collaboration, and innovation, ESMAP is paving the way for Mission 300, turning bold visions of universal electrification into a reality for millions of Africans. Together, we’re not just bringing power to communities—we’re empowering futures.
