By: Transformer magazine

The European Union has launched a $638 M (€545 M) funding package aimed at expanding electricity access and accelerating Africa’s clean energy transition. The support will go to projects in Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Republic of Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mozambique and Somalia.

Currently, 600 million people across Africa still lack access to electricity. The EU says investments in renewables could help create up to 38 million green jobs by 2030.

In Côte d’Ivoire, $422 M (€359.4 M) will finance a high-voltage transmission project to strengthen regional energy distribution. Cameroon will receive $69.3 M (€59.1 M) for rural electrification, while $53.4 M (€45.5 M) in Somalia will support affordable renewable access. Smaller allocations include $4.1 M (€3.5 M) for the Republic of Congo, aimed at expanding solar, wind and hydropower.

Lesotho’s Renewable Lesotho initiative will benefit from $30.4 M (€25.9 M) to develop hydro and wind resources. Ghana is set to receive $2.3 M (€2 M) to prepare a large-scale solar park and improve energy trade, while Madagascar will use $38.9 M (€33.2 M) to extend rural electrification through mini-grids. In Mozambique, $15.2 M (€13 M) will back a low-emission transition and encourage private sector participation.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the package in a video message to the Global Citizen Festival, held alongside the UN General Assembly. She said the initiative reflects Europe’s commitment to Africa’s clean energy path, emphasising that the continent’s choices will shape global stability, jobs, and climate goals.