Access to affordable and reliable energy is one of the most powerful drivers of progress in Africa. It fuels homes, powers hospitals and schools, and supports businesses and livelihoods. Yet, across much of sub-Saharan Africa, millions of people still live without electricity or rely on unsafe and polluting fuels for cooking. The lack of modern energy not only holds back economic growth but also deepens inequality and limits opportunities for women, young people, and marginalized communities.
Recognizing that energy is the foundation of development, the African Development Bank (AfDB) has made it a central pillar of its mission to transform the continent. Through its Light-Up and Power Africa initiative, the Bank aims to bring modern energy to every African, while promoting clean and sustainable solutions that protect the environment. The goal extends beyond powering homes — it’s about enabling better healthcare, education, and livelihoods.
To achieve universal energy access, the AfDB has joined forces with governments, development institutions, and private investors. One key collaboration, Mission 300, seeks to expand energy access across the continent. This initiative unites expertise and funding under one vision — ensuring that every African has access to reliable electricity within the next decade. Energy transition advisor at Christian Aid, Jaqueline Kimeu, notes that Kenya, a signatory to Mission 300, is advancing community access.
“Our role as Christian Aid and other CSOs is to ensure that financing of these energy compacts by AfDB and the World Bank does not increase the current debt status in Kenya and other African countries,” she says. Under this partnership, countries are developing their own energy plans aligned with national priorities, guiding investments into grid strengthening, renewable energy businesses, and policy reforms to expand access.
While large-scale power plants and national grids remain essential, much of Africa’s population lives in rural or remote areas where such infrastructure is costly. Here, decentralized renewable systems — solar home kits, mini-grids, and clean cooking solutions — offer flexible, affordable alternatives. These systems are transforming lives. Solar mini-grids power rural schools and clinics, allowing students to study longer and doctors to store vaccines safely. Farmers use solar pumps for irrigation and storage, while small businesses operate more efficiently. Women and youth, in particular, benefit from cleaner cooking technologies and new green job opportunities.
Still, investment in decentralized energy remains limited compared to centralized projects. AfDB’s challenge is not only scaling up funding but ensuring it reaches the communities that need it most. That means adopting innovative financing models, supporting local entrepreneurs, and helping governments remove barriers to renewable energy growth.
To unlock Africa’s full renewable potential, the AfDB is exploring creative ways to direct funds where impact is greatest. “Given that Africa emits only about four percent of global emissions, we have been seeking adaptation funds to support low-carbon projects,” says Gibson Kiragu, an AfDB consultant. “Such projects require clean energy, and that’s why AfDB is funding them.” A dedicated platform combining grants, concessional loans, and risk guarantees could attract more private investment while keeping solutions affordable. Transparency, collaboration, and equity remain key to ensuring renewable projects are both sustainable and inclusive.
Civil society organizations are critical to ensuring Africa’s energy transition is just and inclusive. The Kenya Climate Change Working Group (KCCWG), along with partners, helps monitor how funds are used and advocates for fair policies that meet community needs. According to Stephen Ogutu, who works with people with disabilities networks, vulnerable groups must not be left behind. “People living with disabilities are among the hardest hit by climate change, and their needs must be addressed as Africa targets to light up over 300 million people.”
AfDB and its partners have an opportunity to formalize collaboration with civil society through community consultations, capacity-building programs, and mechanisms for public accountability — ensuring citizens are partners, not bystanders.
Africa’s energy transition is about more than power generation — it’s about transforming lives. For AfDB, success will be measured not just by new connections, but by how access to energy improves education, healthcare, enterprise, and resilience. If the Bank and its partners can prioritize renewable energy and people-centered solutions, they can shape a future where clean power fuels opportunity and dignity across the continent. The vision is clear — to power people, not just pipelines.
