Rockefeller Foundation And GEAPP Commit $100 Million To Power 300 Million Lives In Africa

A major global push to reduce energy poverty has been announced with a combined commitment of over $100 million by The Rockefeller Foundation and Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet. The funding will support Mission 300, an ambitious initiative led by the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank, which aims to provide reliable electricity access to 300 million people in sub-Saharan Africa by 2030.

The announcement was made during the Powering Africa Summit 2026 and represents a significant increase from an earlier $10 million pledge made in 2024. Rajiv J. Shah described the commitment as the foundation’s largest investment in electricity access, highlighting its importance in addressing large-scale poverty.

Energy poverty remains a serious challenge across Africa, where around 600 million people still lack access to basic electricity. This gap continues to affect essential services such as healthcare and education, while also limiting economic growth opportunities. Mission 300 is designed to tackle this issue through a results-based approach that links funding to policy reforms, encouraging private sector participation and long-term investment.

Since its launch in April 2024, the initiative has already made measurable progress, with about 44 million people gaining access to electricity. The program focuses on improving infrastructure, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and supporting governments in implementing national energy strategies.

A key part of the new funding will be used to provide technical assistance through Mission 300 Fellowships. These fellowships will support 23 countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, and Ethiopia, in developing and executing energy compacts tailored to their national needs. The initiative also includes efforts to promote clean cooking solutions through a dedicated accelerator program, aiming to reduce dependence on traditional fuels such as charcoal, which pose health and environmental risks.

In addition, the partnership will focus on mobilizing private sector investment by supporting Zafiri, a long-term capital fund designed to provide patient equity for renewable energy projects. This approach is expected to reduce investment risks and attract more funding into the sector.

Kevin Kariuki emphasized that the collaboration is focused on delivering real results by translating commitments into on-the-ground infrastructure. By combining public and private financing, the initiative aims to unlock further investments and ensure sustainable energy access across the region.

With strong institutional backing and a clear implementation strategy, Mission 300 is positioned to play a critical role in expanding electricity access and supporting economic development across sub-Saharan Africa.