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Mission 300 and What This Means for Africa’s Mobility

By Charmaine Nkosi

The current energy crisis facing Africa requires urgent action. Approximately 600 million Africans are without electricity, and with the rapid technological advancements taking place globally, millions of Africans risk being left behind, unable to contribute to the digital and industrial economy.

Mission 300 Energy Summit is an initiative launched by the World Bank Group (WBG) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) with the goal of connecting 300 million people in sub-Saharan Africa to electricity by 2030. During the Africa Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on January 27, 2025, new pledges exceeding $8 billion were made by lenders, including the Islamic Development Bank and the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank. The magnitude of this project necessitates substantial investments and given that many African countries lack the financial capacity to fund it independently, funding is expected to come from multilateral development banks, development agencies, private businesses, and philanthropic organisations.

What Does This Mean for Mobility?

Electricity is the foundation for technological advancements, and technology drives development. Reliable access to electricity will transform mobility in Africa in several key ways:

• Improved Transportation Infrastructure: Studies show that inadequate electricity supply slows infrastructure development, including road construction. With increased energy access, African countries can build and maintain safer, more extensive road networks, reducing transportation costs by up to 40% (African Development Bank, 2024). This will facilitate the movement of goods and services, boosting economic growth.
• Electrification of Public Transport: The availability of electricity will enable African cities to transition to electric buses, trains, and other forms of sustainable transport. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), electric vehicle (EV) adoption in Africa could reduce urban transport emissions by 25% while lowering fuel dependency and costs for commuters.
• Enhanced Economic Productivity: Currently, African manufacturers lose 5-10% of their annual revenue due to power shortages (World Bank, 2023). Access to electricity will allow industries to operate more efficiently, creating jobs and fostering regional trade. This will reduce reliance on imports and strengthen intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
• Safer Roads and Urban Development: Electrification will support better street lighting and traffic management systems, significantly reducing road accidents. Studies from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) indicate that improved road conditions and lighting could cut pedestrian fatalities in African cities by 30%.
• Boosting Local Businesses: With reliable electricity, small businesses can extend operating hours, digital payment systems will become more widespread, and urban centers will experience economic revitalisation. For example, in Nigeria, regions with stable electricity supply report a 20% higher business survival rate compared to those reliant on unreliable power grids (Nigerian Energy Commission, 2024).

Ultimately, Mission 300 is not just about electrification—it is about unlocking Africa’s economic potential, transforming mobility, and improving the quality of life for millions. With access to electricity, Africa will have the infrastructure and innovation necessary to drive sustainable development and compete in the global economy.

References

• African Development Bank. (2024). Infrastructure Development and Energy Access Report.
• International Energy Agency (IEA). (2024). The Future of Electric Mobility in Africa.
• Nigerian Energy Commission. (2024). Impact of Stable Electricity Supply on Local Businesses.
• United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (2023). Road Safety and Urban Development.
• World Bank. (2023). The Impact of Energy Access on Economic Growth

About the author

Charmaine Nkosi
Social Impact Analyst

Charmaine Nkosi

Charmaine Nkosi is a dedicated Social Impact Analyst with a passion for sustainability, ESG, and Africa’s development. She channels her love for writing into creating awareness around the green economy.