Friday 28th November 2025
by inAfrika Newsroom
Africa clean energy investment is climbing fast as Europe confirms new pledges worth €15.5 billion for power projects across the continent. The package forms part of the EU’s Global Gateway agenda and targets grids, renewables and energy access in dozens of countries.
Officials say the money will flow into solar, wind, hydro and green hydrogen projects. It will also support transmission lines, regional interconnectors and mini-grids for rural areas. The funds mix grants, concessional loans and guarantees, so they can crowd in even more private capital.
Africa still counts about 600 million people without electricity. Many more live with frequent outages and costly diesel back-up systems. As a result, governments see clean energy as both a development priority and a climate obligation.
However, money alone will not close the gap. Investors want clear rules, independent regulators and predictable tariffs. Without these basics, even generous finance moves slowly or only reaches a few countries.
Communities also demand a bigger voice. They want fair land deals, local jobs and environmental safeguards when large projects arrive. Therefore, civil society groups keep calling for open consultation and transparent benefit-sharing contracts.
In the next phase, African and European teams will refine project lists country by country. They will match Africa clean energy investment proposals with national power plans, updated grid studies and just transition strategies.
Development banks plan to expand blended-finance tools such as guarantees and first-loss capital. These tools lower risk for commercial lenders that back new plants, batteries and cross-border power lines.
Meanwhile, African governments face pressure to speed up permits and grid connections. Slow approvals have delayed many schemes in the past, even when funding was ready. Now, energy ministries and regulators must show that this time will be different.
Stronger Africa clean energy investment can cut diesel imports, reduce power cuts and stabilise household bills. Cleaner grids and off-grid systems also improve health by replacing kerosene and charcoal in homes and small businesses.
In addition, better interconnectors allow countries to trade power across borders. That shift supports industrial growth while keeping emissions far below levels in richer regions. If these projects move from pledge to construction, they could anchor a new phase of low-carbon development for the continent.
French 
English 
Swahili 
Portuguese 
Chinese