Mission 300 Gains Momentum with New Donor Commitments to Sustainable Energy Fund

Friday, 31st January 2025

Denmark, the United Kingdom, Spain, and France have reinforced their commitment to expanding energy access across Africa by pledging new and additional contributions to the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA). Their financial support aligns with the objectives of Mission 300, an ambitious partnership led by the African Development Bank and the World Bank to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030. Japan has also joined as a SEFA donor, contributing $5 million under the Africa Green Infrastructure Alliance (AGIA).

SEFA, a multi-donor fund managed by the African Development Bank, provides catalytic finance to unlock private-sector investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency. Its goal is to accelerate Africa’s transition to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy solutions in line with Mission 300 and the New Deal on Energy for Africa.

France, joining SEFA for the first time, will provide €10 million, while Denmark, the UK, and Spain are increasing their existing contributions with DKK 100 million (€13.4 million), £8.5 million (€10.13 million), and €3 million, respectively. France’s pledge will further strengthen AGIA, a platform dedicated to developing transformative sustainable infrastructure projects.

These new pledges come as SEFA marks its most successful year, with $108 million approved for 14 projects in 2024. The fund now manages over $300 million in investments and technical assistance programs expected to unlock $15 billion in financing while facilitating 12 million new electricity connections across the continent.

Denmark’s Acting State Secretary for Development Policy, Ole Thonke, highlighted Africa’s vast potential for renewable energy, emphasizing how SEFA’s latest funding will support the Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa (APRA) to drive green industrialization and economic growth.

Rachel Kyte, UK Special Representative for Climate at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, underscored the urgency of the energy transition. “We are halfway through this decisive decade to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and address climate change. Achieving reliable, affordable, and clean power is the golden thread linking economic growth, investment, resilience, and climate ambition. The UK’s additional £8.5 million to SEFA will mobilize private-sector investment, ensuring more Africans gain access to clean power.”

Spain’s commitment was reaffirmed by Inés Carpio San Román, Alternate Governor of Spain for the African Development Bank, who emphasized the role of renewable energy in fostering sustainable development. “Spain is pleased to renew its support for SEFA with a €3 million contribution, reinforcing our dedication to this crucial sector.”

Bertrand Dumont, Director General of the French Treasury and Governor for France at the African Development Bank, described France’s first SEFA contribution as a step toward strengthening Africa’s green infrastructure. “By investing in sustainable infrastructure, we are investing in the future. Our €10 million contribution will bolster AGIA, mobilizing private finance to accelerate Africa’s low-carbon transition.”

Dr. Daniel Schroth, Director of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency at the African Development Bank, welcomed the commitments. “These contributions highlight the impact of SEFA and reinforce its role as a key delivery mechanism for Mission 300. At this pivotal moment, donor support is critical in driving Africa’s sustainable energy transformation.”

With new pledges from global partners and a growing portfolio of impactful projects, SEFA continues to be a driving force in Africa’s energy transition, ensuring the continent’s future is powered by clean, accessible, and sustainable energy solutions.