At the Africa Energy Summit, held in Tanzania's Dar es Salaam on Monday and Tuesday, participants emphasized the feasibility of implementing Mission 300, launched by the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB), aiming to connect 300 million Africans to electricity within five years through collaborative efforts, the AfDB said in a press release.
"We can't have a situation where Africa does not have enough electricity. […] We have a clear path to reaching these 300 million people," AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina said on the sidelines of the summit, emphasizing the summit's focus on practical action and accountability.
Summit participants, including African energy ministers and international development partners, among others, called for comprehensive solutions, including regulatory reforms and private sector engagement, to close the significant electricity access gap affecting nearly 600 million Africans, the press release added.
"With power, Africa will not just meet expectations but exceed them, becoming a competitive and prosperous continent," Adesina added.
World Bank Group President Ajay Banga and others reportedly expressed optimism about the project's implementation and underscored the importance of creating a conducive environment for investment.
"Mission 300 is an opportunity to work together and to work together differently. We pledge support as helpers and quiet helpers at every level of this project," President of the Rockefeller Foundation Rajiv Shah stated, announcing the foundation's $65 million donation.