AfDB Approves New Programme to Support African Countries in Delivering Electricity Under Mission 300
The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved a new US$3.9 million, two-year technical assistance programme aimed at helping African countries translate national energy commitments into tangible electricity access for millions of people.
The programme, known as AESTAP Mission 300 Phase II, will support the implementation of National Energy Compacts under Mission 300, a joint AfDB–World Bank initiative that seeks to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030.
Energy Compacts are national plans through which governments outline strategies to expand electricity access, strengthen power sectors and attract investment. Over the past year, several African countries have launched these compacts, backed by strong political commitment and support from development partners.
Under Phase II, the AfDB will provide direct technical assistance to 13 Mission 300 countries over the next 24 months. The beneficiary countries are Chad, Gabon, Tanzania, Mauritania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Nigeria, Madagascar, Ethiopia, Malawi, Lesotho, Namibia and Uganda.
The programme will help governments improve electricity regulations, planning frameworks and tariff structures to accelerate investment. It will also focus on strengthening power utilities to deliver more reliable electricity while reducing system losses. In addition, the project will support improved data, research and knowledge-sharing across countries through initiatives such as the Electricity Regulatory Index and regional energy forums.
AESTAP Mission 300 Phase II will further deploy expert advisers within national Compact Delivery and Monitoring Units (CDMUs) to help governments coordinate reforms, monitor implementation and track progress towards national targets.
Speaking on the approval, Wale Shonibare, Director of Energy Financial Solutions, Policy and Regulation at the AfDB, said the programme would help countries turn commitments into real outcomes.
“Countries have made bold commitments through their energy compacts. Now, through AESTAP Mission 300 Phase II, we are helping them implement those commitments so that more households, entrepreneurs and communities actually get electricity,” Mr Shonibare said.
The new phase builds on AESTAP Mission 300 Phase I, approved in December 2025, which provided approximately US$1 million to support the establishment and strengthening of CDMUs. Phase I focused on training staff, setting up monitoring systems and supporting early planning processes.
Phase II will now provide the hands-on technical support required to implement energy sector reforms and accelerate electricity connections. The programme will be implemented in close coordination with Mission 300 partners, including the World Bank, national governments and development organisations, to ensure a coherent and effective approach.
The AfDB said the initiative marks an important step towards closing Africa’s electricity access gap and advancing inclusive and sustainable economic development across the continent.
