Joseph Isangura
President Samia Suluhu Hassan hosted the two-day Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam, from January 27–28, 2025.
The summit, which focused on accelerating energy access to 300 million people across Africa by 2030, saw the participation of key leaders from across the continent as well as global partners dedicated to transforming Africa’s energy landscape.
The summit, organized in collaboration with the African Union, the African Development Bank (AfDB), and the World Bank Group, attracted heads of state from several African countries, including Lesotho, Djibouti, the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville), Comoros, Madagascar, Somalia, Sierra Leone, Mauritania, Burundi, Guinea-Bissau, Malawi, Libya, Zambia, Kenya, Nigeria, Gabon, Liberia, Ethiopia, Botswana, and Ghana. These leaders came together to discuss pressing issues related to energy reform, securing financing, and fostering partnerships to help unlock the continent’s energy potential.
President Samia, in her opening address, emphasized the critical importance of sustainable energy access to Africa’s economic growth and poverty reduction efforts. She highlighted the need for Africa to tap into its vast energy resources and emphasized the vital role of partnerships in driving the necessary reforms. “Energy is not just a commodity, it is the cornerstone of our development,” she stated, calling for urgent action to ensure every African has access to affordable and sustainable energy.
Prominent figures from the international community also attended the event, reinforcing the global commitment to Africa’s energy transition. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) was represented by Deputy Managing Director Bo Li, who reiterated the importance of financing solutions for sustainable energy access. Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the AfDB, spoke about the bank’s support for the Mission 300 initiative, stressing the pivotal role energy plays in Africa’s economic prosperity. Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank, also addressed the summit, underscoring the necessity of international cooperation in overcoming Africa’s energy challenges.
Also Read; Trump Administration Defines
Gender as Male and Female
Other notable global leaders included Dr. Rajiv Shah, President of the Rockefeller Foundation, who highlighted the foundation’s role in providing technical assistance and financing, and Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, who called for enhanced partnerships between governments and the private sector. COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev also attended the summit, offering his support for global climate initiatives tied to Africa’s energy future.
The discussions at the summit were centered around accelerating investment in renewable energy, improving energy infrastructure, and ensuring that the energy transition is inclusive, benefiting all segments of the population, particularly the youth and women. With the backing of global and continental leaders, Mission 300 is poised to play a crucial role in shaping Africa’s energy future, bringing power to millions of people and unlocking vast economic potential.
