Expanding electricity access is transforming lives across Africa, from urban settlements like Nairobi to rural communities in western Kenya. Reliable power boosts incomes, improves education, and reduces reliance on polluting fuels for households and small businesses.

The Scale of the Challenge

Yet, nearly 600 million Africans still lack electricity, with over 730 million people globally facing the same challenge. This limited access constrains healthcare, education, digital connectivity, and job creation.

New Funding Initiatives

In March, the European Investment Bank (EIB) pledged more than $1.15 billion for renewable energy projects across sub-Saharan Africa. These projects include hydropower, solar, wind, and grid expansion initiatives.

“This funding is Europe’s commitment to provide cleaner, more affordable, and reliable energy for hundreds of millions of people in Africa,” said EIB President Nadia Calviño.

Rockefeller Foundation Investment

The Rockefeller Foundation also announced a $10 million investment at the Africa Energy Indaba in Cape Town, South Africa, to support electrification programs in at least 15 African countries.

This funding will be deployed with the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet to strengthen national programs and support government reforms. William Asiko, senior vice president at the Rockefeller Foundation, stated, “African governments are choosing to transform their energy sectors by committing to national energy compacts and investing in African-led solutions.”

Expanding Access Through Innovation

The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet aims to connect 300 million people in sub-Saharan Africa to electricity by 2030 through grid expansion and decentralized solutions like mini-grids and off-grid solar.

Mini-Grids and Off-Grid Systems

Across Africa, mini-grids – small, community-level systems powered by solar or hybrid energy – are emerging as a key alternative to unreliable national grids. Off-grid systems, such as stand-alone solar kits, provide direct access to power at the household level, bridging electricity gaps in remote areas.

Country-Specific Efforts

The initiative is providing technical assistance to governments in Malawi and Liberia to support national energy plans and improve distribution systems. Efforts in Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Senegal include local currency financing and pooled procurement support.

Andrew Herscowitz, CEO of the Mission 300 Accelerator at RF Catalytic Capital, emphasized the need for sustained financing and stronger implementation capacity, including improved monitoring and better-aligned support to accelerate connections.

Kenya's Progress

Kenya has received funding since 2017 from the World Bank, African Development Bank, and partners under Mission 300 to support its Last Mile Connectivity program. This program targets households near existing transformers, particularly in rural areas and informal settlements, aiming for universal electricity access by 2030.

Rural access in Kenya rose to about 68% in 2023, up from just under 7% in 2010. World Bank programs aim to expand access in up to 20 countries across eastern and southern Africa over the next seven years through renewable energy projects.

Impact on Communities

In Mathare, Nairobi, Agnes Mbesa was connected to electricity in 2021 through the Last Mile Connectivity Project. This allowed her to extend her shop’s hours and provide a better learning environment for her children.

Similarly, fisherman Samuel Oketch in Sori, western Kenya, benefited from a solar mini-grid, enabling him to preserve his catch and access better market prices.

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