AFRICAN Heads of State and government have endorsed the Dar es Salaam Declaration, committing to expand access to electricity for over 300 million people across the continent.

Prof Vincent Nmehielle, the African Development Bank Group secretary general, said in presenting the declaration that it is a major step forward in addressing the pressing energy challenges that substantially hinder Africa's development.

The Heads of State endorsed the declaration on the final day of ‘Mission 300’ Africa energy summit, stating that despite considerable progress, nearly 600 million Africans still lack access to electricity, and close to one billion remain without clean cooking solutions. 

This stark reality underscores the urgent need for concerted efforts and unprecedented investment to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 7, for providing affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all by 2030, he stated.

The declaration outlines key measures, including a commitment to operational cost recovery, institutional strengthening and capacity building to ensure timely and effective energy access projects.

Focus is also directed to gender equality, with efforts to accelerate energy access specifically for women and employees, helping to foster an inclusive and sustainable energy future.

The Heads of State expressed gratitude to global partners, including the World Bank Group, the African Development Bank and key financial institutions such as the Islamic Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank for contributing billions in funding support.

The partnerships will be critical in meeting the continent's electrification goals, including the ambitious Mission 300, meant to electrify habitats of millions of people by 2030.

Further, the declaration emphasizes the importance of regional integration, harmonizing energy planning and leveraging renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydropower and geothermal.

The goal is to create a more resilient and sustainable energy mix that can power Africa’s future, the top executive elaborated.

Recognizing the transformative role of energy, the declaration calls for greater private sector involvement through innovative financing and supportive regulatory environments to help unlock resources for infrastructure development and energy reforms across the continent.

Looking ahead, the Heads of State requested that the African Union Commission facilitate the submission of this declaration to the African Union Assembly, where it will be formally reviewed and supported.

“The united vision aims to end energy poverty, improve health outcomes and foster economic growth by driving industrialisation and innovation across the continent,” he added.