The African Development Bank (AfDB) has taken a decisive step in the fight against energy poverty. The Board of Directors has officially approved the AESTAP Mission 300 Phase II project, a $3.9 million technical assistance program.

The objective is clear: to transform national pacts into concrete connections in order to achieve the ambitious challenge of Mission 300 : to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030.

13 countries at the heart of the transition

Over a 24-month period, this second phase will directly support 13 target nations in converting their strategic plans into real infrastructure (homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses). The beneficiary countries are:

1. Central and West Africa: Chad, Gabon, DRC, Mauritania, Nigeria.
2. East Africa: Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda.
3. Southern Africa: Madagascar, Malawi, Lesotho, Namibia.

The 4 pillars of the intervention

To ensure that investments translate into available kilowatts, the project will act on several levers:

1. Regulatory reform: Optimizing tariffs and planning to attract private investors.
2. Technical performance: Strengthening national networks to reduce energy losses and improve reliability.
3. Local expertise: Deployment of specialist advisors within governments to guide reforms.
4. Data and Analysis: Using cutting-edge tools such as the African Electricity Regulation Index to measure the real impact.

“Through the AESTAP Mission 300 Phase II, we are helping countries deliver on their bold commitments to make access to energy a daily reality for entrepreneurs and households.” — Wale Shonibare , Director at the AfDB.

Continuity and synergy

This Phase II builds on the achievements of Phase I (launched in December 2025), which had enabled the structuring of the Implementation and Monitoring Units (CDMU) within the ministries.

The program will be conducted in close collaboration with the World Bank Group and various development partners, thus ensuring a unified approach to electrifying the continent.