African leaders and international donors have committed to providing electricity to an additional 300 million people across sub-Saharan Africa by 2030, leveraging advances in off-grid solar technology.
The pledge was made during the African Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, co-organized by the World Bank and the African Development Bank (ADB).
Major Financial Commitments & Role of Off-Grid Solar
The World Bank pledged “$30-40 billion,” while the ADB committed “$18 billion” to the initiative, named “Mission 300.”
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), four-fifths of the global population without electricity live in sub-Saharan Africa, where 570 million people lacked power as of 2022.
Off-grid solar solutions, from basic photovoltaic lamps to local mini-grids, were highlighted as essential in closing the energy gap.
Technological Advancements in Solar Energy
Patrick Tonui, Director of Regional Policy at Gogla, an organization representing off-grid solar providers, emphasized that technological improvements have made solar power more accessible and efficient.
He explained, “Fifteen or 20 years ago, solar power was limited to lighting and phone charging. Now, you can run a 40-inch TV and refrigerators at very affordable prices.”
This shift is driven by increased solar panel efficiency and reduced costs, making off-grid solutions viable for regions without access to national grids.
Electricity Shortages and Challenges
Many African nations continue to struggle with energy access:
- Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – Only 21% of the population has electricity.
- Kenya – Despite a strong national grid, 40% of the country remains without power.
- Nigeria – The national grid collapsed 12 times last year.
- South Africa – Daily blackouts of up to 12 hours are common to prevent grid failure.
Future Outlook
IEA data shows that from 2010 to 2022, the number of people without electricity increased by 4 million, mainly due to rapid population growth and the economic setbacks of COVID-19.
Tonui concluded, “The pace of energy access has not kept up with demand,” underscoring the importance of off-grid solar as a practical solution.
