illion ($57 million) in new investment commitments to advance Mission 300 and accelerate climate action across Africa’s power sector. These commitments, announced at a COP30 side event on 14 November, come from the governments of Germany and Italy, reflecting a shared dedication to sustainable energy development and Africa-led climate initiatives.
Germany pledged EUR 14 million to support SEFA’s universal energy access goals and an additional EUR 30 million for a new SEFA green hydrogen programme, highlighting the strategic potential of green hydrogen for Africa’s decarbonisation and industrial growth. Italy committed EUR 5 million, emphasizing the importance of encouraging private sector investments to accelerate Africa’s energy transition and sustainable development.
Dr Katharina Stasch, Director-General for Climate Policy at Germany’s BMZ, noted that the partnership with AfDB and SEFA could create a “win–win” scenario, benefiting African countries through new energy resources, industrial development, technology transfer, and job creation, while helping Europe diversify future energy imports. Roberto Amerise of Italy’s Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security emphasized Italy’s commitment to Africa and the role of these resources in advancing renewable energy and energy access projects on the continent.
Dr Kevin Kariuki, AfDB Vice-President for Power, Energy, Climate Change, and Green Growth, highlighted that the commitments reinforce the urgent need for a bold, unified approach to Africa’s energy transition and resilience. The event also acknowledged ongoing support from partners like Norway, which continues to mobilize private sector investment for Mission 300.
A key theme of the event was the importance of blended finance in de-risking investments and attracting commercial capital to achieve Mission 300 objectives. Attendees learned about projects such as the 1 GW Obelisk Solar PV facility with 200 MWh Battery Energy Storage System in Egypt, co-financed by AfDB and SEFA, as well as the work of BURN, an African clean cooking company demonstrating successful market adoption and affordability through innovative models.
Speakers underscored the need for predictable, attractive regulatory frameworks to draw private capital into clean energy projects, particularly those that are scalable, human-centred, and bankable. They also highlighted the importance of leveraging declining renewable energy costs through efficient deployment of development funding. The discussions reinforced that integrating energy transition cooperation within broader climate diplomacy is critical, and with coordinated efforts, the goals of Mission 300 and broader climate ambitions from COP30 are achievable.
