Transforming Energy Access for Millions
The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) and The Rockefeller Foundation have announced a groundbreaking initiative to accelerate energy access across 12 African countries and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). This initiative, unveiled during the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, aligns with the ambitious Mission 300 goal to provide reliable electricity access to 300 million Africans by 2030.
The collaborative effort is funded through an initial commitment of $10 million to the Mission 300 Technical Assistance Facility (TA Facility). The TA Facility aims to remove bureaucratic obstacles, streamline project implementation, and foster innovation to scale energy access across the continent.
The Urgency of Energy Access in Africa
Africa’s electrification rate remains at a critical 50%, leaving approximately 600 million people without reliable electricity. Addressing this gap is essential for improving economic opportunities, healthcare, education, and overall quality of life. GEAPP and The Rockefeller Foundation’s efforts are designed to bolster the World Bank and African Development Bank (AfDB)’s electrification efforts through technical, financial, and operational support.
Mission 300: A Catalyst for Energy Transformation
The Mission 300 Accelerator, co-led by GEAPP and The Rockefeller Foundation, focuses on overcoming challenges to implement large-scale electrification projects effectively. According to Andrew Herscowitz, CEO of the Mission 300 Accelerator, these initiatives are a testament to the power of philanthropy in fostering rapid and impactful progress.
Woochong Um, CEO of GEAPP, emphasized the alliance’s commitment to empowering African governments, institutional partners, and businesses through innovative solutions. GEAPP’s portfolio, with over 50% invested in Africa, reflects its dedication to sustainable growth and climate goals.
Key Projects and Targeted Countries
The $10 million TA Facility is already driving change in 12 African nations and COMESA. Highlights of the projects include:
- Burkina Faso: Public-private partnership models for rural electrification and the development of a centralized digital management platform.
- Chad: Feasibility studies to enhance electricity trade with Cameroon and strengthen local utilities.
- Côte d’Ivoire: Electrification of schools and healthcare facilities, along with improved mini-grid operations.
- Democratic Republic of Congo: Capacity building for rural electrification agencies and mobilizing $500 million for distributed renewable energy projects.
- Liberia: Strengthening the national grid to deliver electricity to over 5.3 million people by 2030.
- Madagascar: Integration of electrification plans and recommendations for solar kit distribution programs.
- Malawi: Planning peri-urban electrification to reduce costs and increase connection speeds.
- Mozambique: Scaling renewable energy generation while ensuring environmental and social sustainability.
- Nigeria: Supporting distributed renewable energy projects and enhancing the Desert to Power initiative.
- Tanzania: Revising regulatory frameworks to accelerate off-grid access and improve investment conditions.
- Zambia: Updating energy policies to align with modern regulatory standards and promote metering and tariff reforms.
In COMESA, GEAPP is enhancing the capacity of the Trade and Development Bank to facilitate renewable energy transactions and clean cooking solutions targeting 5 million people.
Empowering Communities and Driving Economic Growth
These projects aim to empower local communities by creating jobs, improving infrastructure, and fostering economic growth. For example, in Nigeria, GEAPP’s $68 million renewable energy initiative is expected to create 123,000 jobs and provide electricity access to 18 million people.
By integrating renewable energy solutions, GEAPP and The Rockefeller Foundation are reducing reliance on fossil fuels, promoting sustainability, and aligning with global climate goals.
A Long-Term Vision for Africa
The TA Facility’s initiatives represent a holistic approach to energy access, focusing not just on infrastructure but also on capacity building, local financing, and innovation. The collaborative efforts of GEAPP, The Rockefeller Foundation, and their partners underscore a commitment to long-term, sustainable progress.
As Africa faces rapid population growth and increasing energy demands, initiatives like Mission 300 are critical for addressing systemic challenges and unlocking the continent’s potential.
About the Partners
- Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP): A coalition focused on clean energy transitions, job creation, and reducing carbon emissions globally.
- The Rockefeller Foundation: A philanthropic organization dedicated to advancing human opportunity and reversing climate change.
- RF Catalytic Capital (RFCC): A public charity supporting innovative funding solutions for social impact.
By leveraging philanthropy, public-private partnerships, and innovative technologies, GEAPP and The Rockefeller Foundation are spearheading transformative change, ensuring a brighter and more sustainable future for Africa.
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