Mission 300: Accelerating Electricity Access for 300 Million in Sub-Saharan Africa

The World Bank's electrification efforts in Sub-Saharan Africa have expanded access but face challenges in affordability, utility financial sustainability, and private sector investment. Achieving universal energy access by 2030 will require increased funding, stronger regulatory frameworks, and integration with broader economic development initiatives.

The World Bank Group’s Support to Electricity Access in Sub-Saharan Africa, 2015–2024, presents a critical evaluation of efforts to expand energy access across the region, conducted in collaboration with leading institutions such as the International Energy Agency (IEA), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), and the International Growth Centre. Despite global progress in electricity access, Sub-Saharan Africa remains the most affected region, home to 85% of the world’s population without electricity, an estimated 588 million people. The electrification gap is particularly stark in rural areas, where 69% remain without access, compared to 19% in urban centers. Countries like Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Tanzania still have tens of millions living without power, limiting economic potential and social development. Fragile and conflict-ridden nations, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan, face even greater obstacles. While the global electricity access rate increased from 87% in 2015 to 91% in 2022, Sub-Saharan Africa’s progress has been much slower, requiring urgent intervention and substantial investment.

The World Bank’s Electrification Strategy

The World Bank’s approach to energy access relies on grid expansion, mini-grids, and solar home systems (SHS). Grid extension remains the preferred solution for urban areas and economically active regions, while decentralized mini-grids and SHS cater to remote areas where extending the grid is not cost-effective. However, affordability remains a major challenge, as the high costs of electricity infrastructure make access unattainable for many low-income households. Off-grid solutions such as SHS provide immediate access to basic energy services, but their impact is often limited to lighting, mobile charging, and small appliances. The World Bank’s electrification efforts align with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7, which seeks universal access to affordable and sustainable energy by 2030. Achieving this goal, however, demands a massive financial push—estimated at $35–$50 billion annually—far beyond current funding commitments. Without increased investment, many Sub-Saharan African nations will struggle to meet their electrification targets within the next decade.

Challenges in Utility Financing and Private Sector Participation

The financial sustainability of power utilities is a significant roadblock to expanding electricity access. Many state-run power companies suffer from financial distress, largely due to revenue shortfalls, inefficient tariff structures, and reliance on government subsidies. Unstable electricity pricing, coupled with political interference, prevents these utilities from recovering costs and reinvesting in infrastructure upgrades. The World Bank has provided technical assistance and financial support to improve the financial health of utility companies, yet progress remains slow. Weak regulatory frameworks further deter private sector investments, making it difficult to attract large-scale capital for both grid and off-grid projects. In contrast, countries like Kenya and Rwanda, with more stable policies, have successfully mobilized private investments in renewable energy projects. However, most low-access nations still struggle to create an attractive investment environment. A lack of clear regulations, risk-sharing mechanisms, and predictable returns has prevented large energy firms from entering the off-grid market at the scale required.

The Real Impact of Electrification on Economic Growth

Empirical research from institutions such as the Leibniz Institute for Economic Research and the International Growth Centre suggests that rural electrification alone has a limited impact on economic growth. Studies in Kenya, India, and Rwanda indicate that while access to electricity improves household welfare, its economic benefits are contingent on complementary infrastructure, such as roads, financial services, and business support programs. Households in newly electrified communities often exhibit low electricity consumption, limiting the profitability of mini-grid and SHS providers. Furthermore, small businesses and agricultural sectors require reliable and affordable power to generate additional income, yet many electrification projects fail to address these broader economic needs. The evidence suggests that electricity access should be integrated with initiatives that support productive energy use, such as agricultural mechanization, small-scale industrial growth, and digital financial services. Without such complementary efforts, electricity access alone will not drive long-term economic transformation.

The Mission 300 Initiative and the Path Forward

In 2024, the World Bank launched Mission 300, an ambitious effort to provide electricity access to 300 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030. Achieving this goal requires a combination of increased public and private sector funding, improved regulatory frameworks, and innovative financing mechanisms. The Bank has called for greater use of concessional financing and blended capital models to attract commercial investments into electricity infrastructure. Key priorities moving forward include strengthening the financial sustainability of power utilities, expanding renewable energy capacity, and ensuring that electricity remains affordable for low-income households. The World Bank is also advocating for enhanced data collection and monitoring systems to measure progress, identify bottlenecks, and improve project implementation. While progress has been made, the next phase of electrification must focus not just on connecting more people to electricity but ensuring that services are reliable, cost-effective, and transformative.

The World Bank’s efforts in Sub-Saharan Africa have undoubtedly made an impact, but challenges remain in ensuring the long-term sustainability, affordability, and financial viability of electricity access programs. Despite billions of dollars invested, progress has been slower than anticipated, and many electrification projects struggle with financial and operational sustainability. The focus must now shift beyond simply increasing connection rates to ensuring that electricity access contributes meaningfully to economic development and poverty reduction. Achieving universal energy access by 2030 will require unprecedented coordination among governments, private sector players, and development institutions. Strengthening regulatory frameworks, improving financial models, and integrating electricity projects with broader economic development initiatives will be essential to creating lasting impact. While the road ahead is challenging, sustained commitment and innovative financing solutions can help unlock the full potential of electricity access, transforming lives and economies across Sub-Saharan Africa.