#Renewable Energy #Rockefeller Foundation #Energy Alliance #Tanzania #Dar es Salaam

Advancing Energy Access in Africa

The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with the Rockefeller Foundation during the recently held Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit. This partnership has initiated the launch of nearly twenty energy access projects across eleven African nations, aiming to enhance electricity access throughout the region. With a remarkable commitment of $10 million, these projects are set to significantly contribute to a larger goal: powering 300 million Africans by the year 2030.

The announcement came after extensive planning and collaboration with major stakeholders, emphasizing the urgency required to tackle the pressing energy challenges faced by the continent. At the heart of these initiatives lies the Mission 300 Technical Assistance Facility, a framework established in September 2024 designed to provide timely and efficient assistance to local communities. The GEAPP and Rockefeller Foundation have made it clear that their aim goes beyond mere project announcements, focusing on creating sustainable solutions that empower local populations through renewable energy access.

Andrew Herscowitz, CEO of the Mission 300 Accelerator, highlighted how this collaboration seeks to overcome bureaucratic hurdles by leveraging philanthropic resources for immediate implementation of energy initiatives. Herscowitz's remarks underscored the importance of rapid action in an environment where traditional funding methods often slow down progress.

As described, the projects span a variety of focus areas including education, health, and energy infrastructure, each addressing specific regional needs. For instance, in Burkina Faso, efforts are directed towards establishing public-private partnerships that enhance rural electrification, where power access rates are alarmingly low. The TA Facility will provide feasibility studies that guide the development of an integrated digital platform to optimize grid investments.

In Chad, the project will support the Cameroon-Chad Interconnection Project aimed at improving electricity access in N'Djamena by connecting the Southern and Northern power systems. This initiative promises to empower roughly 256,000 individuals with new electricity connections by 2030, a significant improvement considering the nation’s current electrification rate stands at just 7%.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is set to see improvements through the Mwinda Fund, targeting 136,000 households by harnessing private sector participation in electrification projects. Similarly, in Liberia, the collaboration will bolster the efforts of the Liberia Electricity Corporation, striving to enhance electric services to over five million people by 2030.

Additional projects encompass Madagascar, focusing on elevating electrification plans, and Malawi, which will advance peri-urban electrification planning. A notable aspect of these projects is the integration of sustainability practices, ensuring that energy solutions are not only accessible but also environmentally viable.

Nigeria and Tanzania are also key players in this energy renaissance, receiving support for distributed renewable energy enhancements and reviews on legislative frameworks for private investment in the energy sector. These initiatives reflect GEAPP's overarching goal to secure energy for communities that need it the most, casting a spotlight on local skills development and capacity building as vital components of sustainable energy solutions.

The current average electrification rate in Africa is 50%, indicating a substantial population without reliable electricity. The intention behind the collaborative projects is to ensure that tangible solutions are provided quickly to bridge this gap. By mobilizing financial resources and facilitating partnerships among stakeholders, GEAPP and the Rockefeller Foundation are set to transform the energy landscape in Africa.

The commitment and strategic approach displayed by GEAPP and the Rockefeller Foundation, combined with local collaboration, opens a pathway for unprecedented advancements in energy access across the continent. As they rally support for these transformative projects, the world watches keenly, hopeful that Africa will soon witness a renewed era of energy accessibility.

For more information on these initiatives and updates on progress, please visit GEAPP's website and Rockefeller Foundation's portal.