AfDB energy access programme secures $3.9m to turn national energy plans into electricity connections for millions across Africa

The African Development Bank Group has approved a $3.9 million technical assistance programme aimed at accelerating electricity access across Africa by turning stalled national energy commitments into real power connections.

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The approval, announced this week, advances the Mission 300 target to electrify 300 million Africans by 2030.

The two-year initiative, known as AESTAP Mission 300 Phase II, will provide hands-on technical support to 13 African countries where national energy plans are in place but implementation has lagged.

Beneficiary countries include Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and Namibia, alongside Chad, Lesotho, Gabon, Mauritania, Malawi and Madagascar.

The AfDB Energy Access Programme comes at a pivotal moment as governments across the continent roll out National Energy Compacts designed to expand electricity supply, attract investment and reform power sectors.

While these compacts represent binding commitments, execution gaps have slowed progress in extending electricity to households and businesses.

According to the African Development Bank’s Director of Energy Financial Solutions, Policy and Regulation, Wale Shonibare, the programme directly targets these bottlenecks.

He said the initiative would help governments translate bold policy commitments into measurable outcomes for communities and entrepreneurs currently without power.

Under Phase II, technical assistance will focus on reforming electricity regulations, strengthening planning and tariff structures, and improving the operational performance of national utilities.

Support will also enhance data systems, research capacity and knowledge-sharing through regional energy platforms, while embedding expert advisers within government Compact Delivery and Monitoring Units to coordinate reforms and track progress.

The programme builds on AESTAP Mission 300 Phase I, approved in December 2025, which focused on establishing the delivery and monitoring units that anchor national energy reforms.

Combined funding across both phases now stands at $4.9 million.

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Funded through the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa, the AfDB Energy Access Programme will be implemented in coordination with Mission 300 partners, including the World Bank and national governments, reinforcing a collective push to close Africa’s electricity gap.