Ghana has signed onto Mission 300, a World Bank Group and African Development Bank initiative aimed at connecting 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030. The country becomes one of 17 African nations to endorse a National Energy Compact under the programme.
President John Mahama announced Ghana’s commitment at the Bloomberg Philanthropies Global Forum, stressing that universal access to energy remains central to the country’s development agenda.
“Ghana believes universal energy access is key to empowering businesses, reducing poverty, and creating equal opportunities. This goal can only be achieved through strong government–private sector partnerships, supported by an enabling environment for sustainable investment,” the President said.
Launched in 2021, Mission 300 has already connected 30 million people to electricity, with more than 100 million additional connections planned, according to World Bank President Ajay Banga.
“Electricity is the bedrock of jobs, opportunity, and economic growth. That’s why Mission 300 is more than a target—it is forging enduring reforms that slash costs, strengthen utilities, and draw in private investment,” Mr. Banga explained.
Other African leaders also pledged ambitious targets at the forum. Kenya committed to universal access to both electricity and clean cooking by 2030, while Ethiopia unveiled plans to harness renewable resources for regional power trade. Mozambique promised to expand clean power exports, Sierra Leone described its compact as the country’s “most ambitious energy infrastructure initiative,” and Cameroon announced a shift toward renewables.
The Republic of Congo highlighted its 27,000 MW hydroelectric potential as a continental game-changer.
African Development Bank President Dr. Sidi Ould Tah described Mission 300 as transformative for the continent, arguing that reliable and affordable electricity could unlock growth for small businesses, agro-processing, digital work, and industrialisation.
“Give a young entrepreneur power, and you’ve given them a paycheck,” he noted.
With Ghana’s endorsement, attention now turns to financing and reforms needed to translate political commitments into tangible results. President Mahama’s call for stronger partnerships with the private sector underscores the challenge of turning pledges into electricity access for all.