Dar es Salaam. The Mission 300 Energy Summit 2025 has officially opened in Dar es Salaam, bringing together energy and finance ministers from across Africa, alongside global experts, innovators, business leaders, and heads of multilateral financing institutions.
The ambitious summit seeks to address the continent’s persistent energy challenges and unlock its vast potential by ensuring universal electricity access for all Africans.
This groundbreaking initiative is a joint effort by the Tanzanian government, African Development Bank (AfDB), the World Bank Group, and global partners, aiming to bridge the electricity gap that leaves nearly 600 million Africans without power—an essential driver of development and employment.
In his opening address, Tanzania’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr Doto Biteko, highlighted the nation’s strides in energy development while committing to the summit’s broader goals.
“Over the next five years, we aim to ensure at least 300 million Africans gain access to electricity,” Dr Biteko declared.
Dr Biteko also reflected on Tanzania’s progress since independence.
“From just 21 megawatts of electricity in the 1960s, our generation capacity has expanded to over 3,160 megawatts today. This growth is improving the lives of Tanzanians and driving our economy forward,” he noted.
Private sector key to scaling energy solutions
A central theme of Monday’s discussions was the critical role of multinational corporations and private sector investment in scaling energy supply across the continent.
Nigerian Finance Minister Wale Edun emphasised the profitability of the energy sector and the necessity of fostering a conducive regulatory environment.
“We have a million standalone solar power stations in Nigeria. This proves the energy sector’s viability,” he said.
“Like mobile telephony, which was once seen as a luxury but is now indispensable and profitable, energy holds immense potential for investors.”
Mr Edun’s sentiments were echoed by Zambia’s minister for Finance, Situmbeko Musokotwane, who called on investors to seize the opportunity in the energy sector.
“Zambia’s electricity production has fallen by about 50 percent. There’s immense potential for private investors to profit while transforming our energy landscape,” the minister noted.
Meanwhile, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, Opiyo Wandayi, stressed the importance of partnerships in achieving clean cooking and universal electricity access.
“The principle of partnership is at the heart of our strategy. We cannot do this alone,” he remarked.
Addressing regional dynamics and rights
Several speakers also tackled regional and social dynamics in energy access.
Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa from South Africa highlighted that access to electricity is enshrined in the Bill of Rights, underscoring its importance as a fundamental need.
Côte d’Ivoire’s energy minister, Sangafowa Coulibaly, spotlighted regional electricity trade.
“We aim to double the electricity we export to our neighbours by 2026,” he said.
“However, there must be mechanisms to ensure our neighbours pay for it. AfDB’s initiatives in this regard are commendable.”
Paving the way for practical solutions
The summit is expected to yield two critical outcomes. The Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration will outline commitments and actionable reforms by African governments to improve the energy sector.
Additionally, the National Energy Compacts will set country-specific targets and timelines for implementing these reforms.
On Tuesday, January 28, the summit will shift focus to government commitments, with speeches from heads of state and governments.
The participation of African leaders underscores the collective resolve to ensure affordable electricity for all.
With over 1,000 delegates, including 40 energy investors from Zambia and a diverse array of stakeholders, the Mission 300 Energy Summit 2025 is poised to lay the groundwork for a transformative future. By bridging the electricity gap, Africa can unlock unprecedented opportunities for growth, innovation, and prosperity.
