Speaking at the Bloomberg Philanthropies Global Forum, President John Mahama said expanding energy access is central to Ghana’s growth strategy.

“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 Mission 300 programme seeks to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030. Since its launch, 30 million people have already been connected, with a further 100 million in the pipeline.

The Energy Compacts are designed as blueprints for investment, reform, and policy innovation, offering countries practical tools to expand access.

Across the continent, leaders unveiled ambitious commitments. Botswana’s President Duma Boko said their compact would deliver “accessible, reliable and affordable energy as a basic human need” to fuel jobs and economic transformation.

Cameroon’s President Paul Biya pledged reforms to accelerate renewable energy and build a low-carbon economy.

Congo’s President Denis Sassou Nguesso emphasised his country’s 27,000 MW hydro potential, saying it could supply domestic demand and export power to cover “more than one-third of Africa’s electricity needs.”

Ethiopia’s President Taye Atske Selassie said his government would unlock renewable resources and deepen regional power integration, while The Gambia’s President Adama Barrow described electricity access as “central to scaling renewables, improving infrastructure, and transforming governance in the sector.”

Other countries also made bold pledges. Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo highlighted plans to position his country as a regional energy powerhouse.

World Bank President Ajay Banga said Mission 300 is about more than just targets.

“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.”

African Development Bank President Dr. Sidi Ould Tah reinforced the point:

“Reliable, affordable power is the fastest multiplier for small and medium enterprises, agro-processing, digital work, and industrial value-addition. Give a young entrepreneur power, and you’ve given them a paycheck.”

With Ghana and its peers now on board, the World Bank and AfDB say Africa is on course to deliver the most ambitious electricity expansion drive in its history.