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United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed has called for collaborative and urgent action to accelerate sustainable energy access in Africa, stressing the critical need to provide electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030. Speaking at the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit, she underscored the role of renewable energy in driving economic growth, social equity, and environmental sustainability. Mission 300: Advancing Clean Energy and Development The summit, organized by the African Development Bank and the World Bank, brought together African leaders and global development partners to address Africa’s energy challenges. Ms. Mohammed emphasized that access to electricity is not merely a convenience but a fundamental human right that supports education, healthcare, economic growth, and gender equality. “We must work together, with a sense of urgency and commitment, to ensure that no one is left behind in this transformative journey,” she stated. Despite Africa’s rich renewable energy potential, nearly 600 million people across the continent lack access to electricity. Ms. Mohammed stressed that harnessing solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power is essential for achieving energy security, reducing emissions, and building climate resilience. Tanzania’s Renewable Energy Progress Highlighting Tanzania as a model for sustainable electrification, Ms. Mohammed praised the country’s rural electrification and off-grid renewable solutions that have significantly improved energy access. Key milestones: Electricity access grew from 14% in 2011 to 46% in 2022 Over 1 million new grid connections established Rural electrification rate surged to 72% “This progress means that more children can study in well-lit classrooms, health workers can provide life-saving services, and businesses in remote areas can thrive,” she noted. Sustainable Policies and Energy Reforms for Africa’s Future At a panel discussion on Policies and Reforms for Transforming African Energy, Ms. Mohammed outlined three critical areas that require action: Policy Coherence: Aligning energy strategies with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. Mobilizing Finance: Blending public and private investments to scale renewable energy infrastructure while addressing unsustainable debt burdens. Transparent International Cooperation: Ensuring stable and accountable public-private partnerships to drive large-scale energy projects.“By advancing long-term energy security and sovereignty, we can foster peace, create green jobs, and build resilient livelihoods,” she stated. Ms. Mohammed urged policymakers to prioritize grid modernization, accelerate renewable energy deployment, and implement climate adaptation measures to ensure energy affordability and sustainability. Africa’s Commitment to a Clean Energy Future The summit culminated in the Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration, where African Heads of State pledged bold reforms to expand access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity. Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating: “By working together and implementing these reforms, we can ensure clean and affordable energy for our people, fostering economic prosperity and environmental sustainability.” Africa as a Global Leader in Renewable Energy In her closing remarks, Ms. Mohammed expressed optimism about Africa’s potential to lead the global clean energy transition. “With the right policies and reforms, Africa can become a model for sustainable development and resilience,” she concluded.The Mission 300 initiative presents an unprecedented opportunity for Africa to achieve energy independence, combat climate change, and drive inclusive economic growth, positioning the continent as a global leader in clean and sustainable energy solutions. |
