By: Energy capital & power

17 African governments have endorsed new reforms and actionable plans under Mission 300, a joint initiative of the World Bank Group and African Development Bank Group.

The initiative targets connecting 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030.

“Electricity is the bedrock of jobs, opportunity and economic growth. Mission 300 is forging enduring reforms that slash costs, strengthen utilities and draw in private investment,” stated Ajay Banga, Group President, World Bank Group.

The countries include Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Cameroon, Comoros, the Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Conakry, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, São Tomé and Principe, Sierra Leone, and Togo.

Launched earlier this year, Mission 300 has already connected 30 million people, with over 100 million connections in the pipeline. National Energy Compacts – developed with technical support from partners – focus on infrastructure, financing and policy measures. 

Mission 300 is supported by partners such as the Rockefeller Foundation, Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, Sustainable Energy for All and the World Bank’s Energy Sector Management Assistance Program.