AfDB Approves $3.9 Million Project to Expand Electricity Access Across Africa
The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a US$3.9 million, two-year technical assistance project aimed at supporting African countries in expanding access to electricity.
The initiative, named AESTAP Mission 300 Phase II, will provide direct technical support to 13 Mission 300 countries over the next 24 months.
It is designed to help implement National Energy Compacts under the Mission 300 programme, a joint AfDB–World Bank effort targeting electricity access for approximately 300 million Africans by 2030.
National Energy Compacts outline each government’s strategies to expand electricity access, strengthen power sectors, and attract investment. Over the past year, dozens of African nations have launched such compacts, backed by political commitment and pledges from development partners.
According to an AfDB press release, AESTAP Mission 300 Phase II will assist governments in improving electricity regulations, planning, and tariffs to boost investment in the power sector. The project will also strengthen utilities to deliver more reliable power and reduce losses.
The programme will support enhanced data collection, research and knowledge-sharing through tools such as the Electricity Regulatory Index and regional energy forums. Expert advisers will also be embedded within national Compact Delivery and Monitoring Units to help governments coordinate reforms and track progress.
The beneficiary countries include Chad, Gabon, Tanzania, Mauritania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Nigeria, Madagascar, Ethiopia, Malawi, Lesotho, Namibia, and Uganda. The AfDB expects the project to help these countries translate energy plans into actual electricity connections for households, schools, hospitals and businesses.
“Countries have made bold commitments through their energy compacts. Now, through AESTAP Mission 300 Phase II, we are helping them implement those commitments so that more households, entrepreneurs, and communities actually get electricity,” said Wale Shonibare, Director of Energy Financial Solutions, Policy and Regulation at the AfDB.
Phase II follows the approval of AESTAP Mission 300 Phase I in December 2025, which was funded with approximately US$1 million to support the establishment and operation of Compact Delivery and Monitoring Units within governments.
Phase I focused on strengthening these teams through training, monitoring tools, and planning support, while Phase II will provide the technical assistance required to implement planned reforms.
The AfDB said the project will be executed in coordination with other Mission 300 partners, including the World Bank, governments and development organisations, to ensure a harmonised approach.
