European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and World Bank Group President Ajay Banga announced in Brussels that they’re teaming up to connect the European Commission’s “Scaling Up Renewables in Africa“ initiative with “Mission 300.“ This mission is about bringing electricity to 300 million African people by 2030.
With around 600 million people on the continent still without power, there’s a pressing need for a big, coordinated effort to get electricity to everyone. This is important for helping Africa unlock its growth potential, meet increasing energy demands, create jobs for the future, and enhance overall living standards.
“We are on a mission: to power Africa with clean energy. Last November, together with President Ramaphosa, I launched the Scaling up Renewables in Africa campaign to drive critical investment towards this goal. Today, we’re taking it further. We join forces with the World Bank to turbocharge renewable energy deployment on the continent. Together, we want to deliver cleaner, more sustainable power to millions. Let’s make it happen,” stated Ursula von der Leyen.
The partnership between Mission 300 and Scaling Up Renewables in Africa is set to drive this change. The “Scaling Up Renewables in Africa“ initiative kicked off in November 2024, thanks to von der Leyen and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. It’s all about rallying support from governments, financial institutions, the private sector, and philanthropists to boost renewable energy generation throughout the continent. They’re working with Global Citizen and getting backing from the International Energy Agency to tackle policy and financing challenges.
Mission 300, launched in April 2024 through the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank, brings together various players—governments, businesses, development organisations, and philanthropies—to deliver affordable power, enhance utility efficiency, attract private investment, and ensure reliable, sustainable electricity. With support from partners like The Rockefeller Foundation, the goal is to promote better regional integration and energy access across Africa.
“Electricity is more than power—it’s the foundation of jobs, opportunity, and economic growth. It is a fundamental human right. Mission 300 is about connecting 300 million people to reliable, affordable electricity so small businesses can grow and young people can be prepared for the jobs of the future. By aligning with the European Commission’s ‘Scaling Up Renewables in Africa’ initiative, we are strengthening our collective push to expand energy access, attract investment, and drive lasting economic progress,” emphasised President Banga.
The European Commission and the World Bank Group hope to secure more funding for sustainable energy projects in Africa by teaming up. This collaboration will lead to the G20 Leaders’ Summit in South Africa in November 2025. The pledges made under the “Scaling Up Renewables in Africa“ campaign will also contribute to Mission 300, helping to improve energy connectivity for people throughout the continent.
