According to Ms. Mohammed, access to electricity is not only a matter of convenience but also a fundamental human right that supports economic growth, education, healthcare, and gender equality. She made this statement while addressing African Heads of State at the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The summit, which was attended by African leaders and development partners, focused on Mission 300, an initiative by the African Development Bank and the World Bank. This initiative aims to address energy access challenges and create job opportunities for Africa’s youth while supporting future development.
Ms. Mohammed emphasized the need for urgent and committed collaboration to ensure that no one is left behind in this transformative journey. Despite being rich in renewable resources, Africa has one of the lowest levels of energy access globally, with nearly 600 million people lacking access to electricity. To address this issue, Ms. Mohammed stressed the importance of leveraging the continent’s abundant renewable energy resources and critical minerals.
Ms. Mohammed believes that Africa has the potential to showcase a new economic development paradigm based on sustainability, resilience, justice, and inclusivity. She also highlighted the interconnectedness of improved energy access with broader development goals such as health, education, and gender equality.
The UN deputy chief pointed out that renewable energy is now the cheapest source of new electricity, making the Mission 300 initiative a transformative opportunity for Africa. She commended Tanzania for its success in rural electrification and off-grid renewable energy solutions, which have transformed lives, especially in remote and underserved areas. Tanzania’s progress has led to over one million new connections and a rural electrification rate of 72%.
Ms. Mohammed stressed that energy access is not just about electricity; it is about creating opportunities, promoting equity, and laying the foundation for a brighter future. During a panel discussion on “Policies and Reforms for Transforming African Energy,” she reiterated the need for comprehensive reforms to accelerate electrification across the continent. She also highlighted the role of renewable energy in driving sustainable development and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The UN deputy chief outlined three key areas for policymakers to focus on: fostering policy coherence, mobilizing finance and support, and enhancing transparent international cooperation. She emphasized the importance of aligning policies with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. Ms. Mohammed also stressed the need to coordinate the transition from fossil fuels with the scaling of renewables and grid modernization to ensure energy security and affordability.
While private sector investments are crucial, Ms. Mohammed highlighted the importance of public financing, especially in modernizing grid infrastructure and integrating renewables. She called for blending concessional public funds with commercial funds to multiply renewable energy investments in developing countries. The UN deputy chief also stressed the need to strengthen Africa’s public finances and address unsustainable debt burdens that hinder essential public investments.
Ms. Mohammed also emphasized the importance of international investments and cross-border partnerships in delivering electricity projects on a large scale. She called for public-private partnerships to be subject to stable and transparent procurement rules throughout the project cycle and stressed the need for transparency and accountability in the Mission 300 initiative.
The summit saw African Heads of State committing to concrete reforms and actions to expand access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity. The Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration, endorsed by the summit, outlines the commitments and practical actions needed to achieve the Mission 300 goals.
In her closing remarks, Ms. Mohammed expressed optimism about Africa’s potential to lead the global clean energy transition. She believes that with the right policies and reforms, Africa can become a model for sustainable development and resilience. She urged everyone to seize this opportunity to create a brighter future for the continent and its people.