MINISTERS from various African countries have reaffirmed their commitment to fostering public-private partnerships (PPPs) and embracing innovative financing models in heightening efforts to expand energy access across the continent.

This consensus was visible in presentations by ministers responsible for Energy and Finance, at the opening of Africa energy summit in Dar es Salaam yesterday, focused on addressing the challenges of energy poverty and achieving universal access by 2030.

The ministers stressed collaboration between governments, the private sector and development partners to accelerate investments in renewable energy, grid expansion and off-grid solutions.

They highlighted that Africa’s energy future depends on bold initiatives that combine financial innovation with strategic policy frameworks, with the host Finance minister, Dr Mwigulu Nchemba noting that a third of what Tanzania needs in financing energy sector requirements can be obtained from private financing.

He said the country requires over $12.9bn, including $4.04 billion from the private sector, to invest in the energy production sector.

The funding will enable Tanzania to achieve 75 percent energy needs generation by 2030, 80 percent usage of clean cooking energy by 2034, and meet the target of attaining 65 percent renewable energy mix, he said.

The mix will facilitate the country in generating 1,800 megawatts of electricity from solar, wind, geothermal and hydropower sources, he stated

Adebayo Edun, the Nigerian Finance minister, emphasized the need for collaborative action to bridge the energy gap, hindering economic growth and social development in the continent.

The South African Electricity and Energy minister, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa said that public-private partnerships are critical to mobilizing the resources and expertise needed to transform the energy landscape across the continent.

Opiyo Wandayi, Kenya’s Energy and Petroleum minister, stressed the importance of innovative financing mechanisms to support infrastructure development, especially in rural and underserved areas.

“We must explore creative solutions that attract investments while ensuring affordability for our citizens,” he said.

The ministers also underscored the role of renewable energy in driving the continent’s energy transition. With Africa rich in solar, wind and geothermal resources, the leaders called for greater efforts to harness these sustainable energy sources to power homes, industries and public services.

Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane, the Finance and National Planning minister for Zambia, highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in addressing energy challenges.

He also hailed Mission 300, a partnership involving the African Development Bank (AfDB), the World Bank Group and global stakeholders as vital to bridging Africa’s electricity access gap.

Currently, nearly 600 million Africans lack access to electricity, posing a significant barrier to development and job creation, observers say.