The Africa Energy Summit 2025 has begun in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, addressing critical challenges of energy access and sustainability across the continent.
The summit, themed “Mission 300”, aims to provide reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030.
The summit has drawn African Heads of State, business leaders, development partners, and civil society representatives.
Hosted by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the summit is a collaborative effort between the African Union, the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), the World Bank Group, and the Rockefeller Foundation.
Prominent attendees include Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group, who arrived in Tanzania on January 26, and will chair key discussions.
Other notable figures include Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations; Dr Rajiv J. Shah, President of the Rockefeller Foundation; Dr Muhammed Al Jasser, Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank Group; Admassu Tadesse, President and Managing Director of the Trade and Development Bank Group; Damilola Ogunbiyi, Chief Executive of Sustainable Energy for All; Woochong Um, CEO of the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP); and Joseph Nganga, Mission 300 Special Envoy.
The summit addresses the urgent need to bridge Africa’s electricity gap, with 600 million people currently lacking access to power. Discussions focus on accelerating energy access in underserved regions, promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency, and mobilising private sector investment.
Two significant outcomes are expected from the summit. The Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration will showcase commitments by African governments to reform energy sectors and achieve universal energy access.
Additionally, National Energy Compacts will outline country-specific strategies, with clear targets and timelines for implementing reforms. In the first phase, 12 countries—Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, and Zambia—will present their compacts, with others to follow in subsequent phases.
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu is participating in the summit and will deliver a national statement reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to achieving universal energy access. Nigeria will present its energy compact, detailing plans to tackle energy challenges and expand access.
Mission 300 represents a groundbreaking partnership between the African Development Bank, the World Bank Group, and other global stakeholders, leveraging advanced technology and innovative financing solutions.
Partnerships and commitments made during the summit will reshape Africa’s energy landscape, transforming lives, fostering sustainable development, and creating jobs.
The Africa Energy Summit concludes on January 28, with its outcomes expected to serve as a roadmap for Africa’s energy future.
