Mission 300 Reaches 50 Million Connections Across Africa

AfDB and World Bank initiative speeds up electrification, targeting 300 million new connections by 2030.

By Samuel Okocha

Mission 300 has connected 50 million people in 40 African countries, nearly doubling the pace since the World Bank and African Development Bank (AfDB) launched the initiative in 2024.

The initiative aims to add 300 million connections by 2030 through investments in generation, transmission, and last‑mile distribution, covering both on‑grid and off‑grid access.

Under the initiative. Tanzania added 7.5 million connections, five times its average annual rate before Mission 300 took off. Ethiopia reached 4.6 million people after cutting grid connection costs, while Nigeria’s private firms connected 4.5 million.

The AfDB confirmed the progress in a joint statement released on June 17, 2026.

AfDB President Sidi Ould Tah called the 50 million milestone “a launchpad for faster electrification to enhance food security… better health outcomes, and more inclusive economic and social empowerment.” He urged governments, partners, and private firms to “double down” to achieve access for 300 million people by 2030.

The AfDB and World Bank have committed $15 billion, attracting $4.5 billion in co‑financing. Other development partners pledged $7 billion to Africa’s energy sector.

Mission 300 uses grants, guarantees, and concessional loans to reduce risk for private providers serving remote communities, unlocking opportunities for Africa’s 600 million unconnected people, with the majority low income areas.

“Electricity is not just about power. It is about what it enables: jobs, business, health care, education, and opportunity,” said World Bank Group President Ajay Banga.