The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a new $3.9 million technical assistance programme to help African countries translate energy commitments into tangible electricity connections for millions of people across the continent.
The two-year programme, known as AESTAP Mission 300 Phase II, will support the implementation of National Energy Compacts under Mission 300, a joint AfDB–World Bank initiative that targets connecting 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030.
Over the past year, dozens of African governments have launched Energy Compacts, setting out plans to expand electricity access, strengthen power-sector governance, and attract private investment. While these compacts are backed by firm political commitments and development partner support, turning policy promises into functioning power connections has remained a significant challenge.
AfDB says the newly approved programme is designed to close this gap by providing hands-on technical support to 13 Missions Across 300 countries: Chad, Gabon, Tanzania, Mauritania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Nigeria, Madagascar, Ethiopia, Malawi, Lesotho, Namibia, and Uganda.
Through the programme, governments will receive support to improve electricity regulations, planning systems, and tariff structures to unlock investment. At the same time, national utilities will be strengthened to deliver more reliable power and reduce losses. The initiative will also enhance data, research, and cross-country learning, including through regulatory benchmarking tools and regional energy forums.
A key component of the programme involves placing expert advisers within national Compact Delivery and Monitoring Units, which are located within governments and responsible for coordinating energy reforms and monitoring implementation progress.
“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, AfDB’s Director of Energy Financial Solutions, Policy and Regulation.
The programme builds on AESTAP Mission 300 Phase I, approved in December 2025, which provided about $1 million to help countries establish and operationalise Compact Delivery and Monitoring Units. Phase I focused on training staff, establishing monitoring tools, and supporting early planning.
Phase II shifts the focus to implementation, providing the technical expertise required to deliver planned reforms and to accelerate electricity connections in practice.
AfDB said the programme will be implemented in close coordination with other Mission 300 partners, including the World Bank, national governments, and development organisations, to ensure a coherent approach.
With more than 600 million people in Africa still lacking access to electricity, the bank views Mission 300 as a critical step towards unlocking economic growth, job creation, and improved service delivery across the continent.
