The European Union announced a €545mn ($638mn) financing programme to support electrification and grid modernisation projects in nine African countries. The initiative aims to improve access to renewable energy and strengthen cross-border electricity infrastructure.
Targeted investments for each country
This financing covers Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Republic of the Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mozambique and Somalia. In Côte d’Ivoire, €359.4mn is allocated to a high-voltage power project to reinforce regional distribution. Cameroon will receive €59.1mn for rural electrification, while Somalia will get €45.5mn to improve access to affordable renewable energy.
Lesotho is allocated €25.9mn through the Renewable Lesotho programme, focused on wind and hydropower development. Madagascar will receive €33.2mn for the deployment of mini-grids in rural areas. In Mozambique, €13mn will support a low-emission energy transition and encourage private sector participation.
Regional outlook and employment
The Republic of the Congo will receive €3.5mn to expand access to renewable energy through sources such as solar, wind and hydropower. Ghana will obtain €2mn to prepare the development of a large-scale solar park, as well as to strengthen regional electricity trade. These investments form part of a broader strategy to address the continent’s energy deficit, where about 600 million people still live without access to electricity. The development of renewable energy is presented as a potential lever to generate up to 38 million jobs by 2030.
European strategic framework
The financial support falls under the European Union’s Global Gateway investment plan, which seeks to strengthen strategic partnerships with Africa through long-term infrastructure projects. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presented the announcement via video address at the Global Citizen Festival, held alongside the United Nations General Assembly.
