World Bank Group and Global Energy Alliance launch Africa energy partnership to expand electrification, jobs and enterprise growth across the continent
The World Bank Group and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet have launched a new Africa energy partnership aimed at expanding productive use of electricity across the continent through a regional Centre of Excellence in Nairobi, Kenya.
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The initiative seeks to strengthen how electrification supports jobs, agriculture and small enterprises, ensuring that power access translates into measurable economic growth.
The partnership is closely aligned with Mission 300, a joint programme led by the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank Group, with support from The Rockefeller Foundation, Sustainable Energy for All and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet.
Mission 300 targets connecting 300 million additional people to electricity by 2030. According to programme updates, more than 45 million people have already gained access since July 2023.
Officials say the new Centre of Excellence will help governments move beyond basic electricity access and focus on productive energy use that drives livelihoods.
Dana Rysankova, Lead Energy Specialist at the World Bank Group, said the initiative will help countries unlock the full potential of electrification.
She noted that stronger energy use in productive sectors can reduce poverty and create jobs.
She explained that electricity access alone is not enough unless it supports economic activity in households and communities.
Makena Ireri, Managing Director of Powering Opportunity at the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, said energy must translate into real-life opportunities.
She added that farmers and small businesses can expand output and income when electricity supports storage, processing and equipment use.
The partnership will support national governments to integrate productive energy strategies into electrification plans and improve coordination between public and private stakeholders.
It will also provide technical assistance, data tools, financing coordination and market support for businesses across participating countries.
Key focus areas include embedding technical expertise within National Energy Compacts, strengthening investment pipelines and improving access to finance for local enterprises.
The programme is expected to support smallholder farmers, micro, small and medium enterprises and underserved communities across more than 20 countries.
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By linking electrification to agriculture, healthcare, education and enterprise development, the initiative aims to improve incomes and strengthen local economies.
