Now while at a pivotal moment marked by a burgeoning population, expanding economies, and increasing energy demands, the global community is recognizing that Africa’s transition to clean energy represents not just a regional challenge but a significant global opportunity.
This transformative initiative gained remarkable momentum this week as European leaders launched a historic funding campaign aimed at supporting Africa’s shift toward renewable energy.
In a groundbreaking effort, Europe has mobilized an impressive €15.5 billion to enhance clean energy access across Africa. This initiative follows a year-long campaign co-chaired by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The European Union has emerged as the central force behind this pledging effort, contributing over €15.1 billion, which includes more than €10 billion pledged by President von der Leyen on behalf of Team Europe. In addition, further contributions have come from EU Member States, European financial institutions, and anticipated private investments.
In a statement, President von der Leyen hailed the campaign’s success as a transformative milestone for the continent. “Today, the world has stepped up for Africa. With €15.5 billion, we are turbocharging Africa’s clean-energy transition, providing real, life-changing power for families, businesses, and communities,” she remarked. She emphasized that this investment would not only stimulate new jobs but also cultivate thriving markets and reliable clean energy for the region.
This funding initiative underscores Europe’s commitment to an Africa-led clean energy future. The campaign’s success stems from a collaboration with Global Citizen, backed by policy support from the International Energy Agency, aimed at expanding renewable energy generation, improving electricity access, and fostering sustainable industrialization throughout Africa.
Team Europe’s funding package incorporates significant Global Gateway projects and collaborative financing involving Germany, France, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, the European Investment Bank, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Additionally, several European nations have made substantial bilateral commitments, collectively exceeding €5 billion.
Beyond the financial commitments, the campaign aims to generate 26.8 GW of new renewable energy and provide electricity to 17.5 million households currently without reliable access to power.
The African Development Bank also pledged to channel at least 20% of its next African Development Fund replenishment to renewable energy. At the same time, Norway committed approximately €53 million via its contribution to the Fund between 2026 and 2028.
Launched in November 2024, the “Scaling up Renewables in Africa” campaign sought to drive both policy action and investment to help Africa meet global renewable energy targets, including those set during COP28.
With 600 million Africans still without electricity, and the continent attracting only 2% of global energy investments, Europe’s financial commitment marks a decisive step towards bridging the gap.
Through its Global Gateway strategy and the Africa-Europe Green Energy Initiative, the EU says it will continue to invest in renewable generation, transmission, and cross-border power trade to support Africa’s long-term clean energy ambitions.
This ambitious initiative highlights a shared vision of a sustainable future, showcasing the potential for partnership between Europe and Africa in addressing the pressing challenges of energy access and climate change.
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