African leaders have committed Tuesday to delivering affordable electricity to 300 million people across the continent within five years.
The pledge, known as the Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration, was announced during the Africa Energy Summit at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Center in eastern Tanzania.
The summit, attended by 25 African presidents and 1,000 delegates, focused on 鈥淢ission 300,鈥� highlighting the urgent need to address Africa鈥檚 energy deficit. Currently, 71 million people lack access to electricity, posing significant barriers to economic growth.
鈥淭his declaration represents a turning point for Africa鈥檚 energy future,鈥� said Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan. 鈥淲e are committed to delivering affordable, reliable electricity to transform lives and economies across the continent.鈥�
Leaders emphasized investments in renewable energy, including solar and hydroelectric power, and promised to improve infrastructure and implement policies to attract private sector involvement. Tanzania, a key player in the East African Power Pool, plans to increase electricity production by 2,463 megawatts by 2030, requiring $13 billion in funding.
The initiative is supported by $40 billion from the African Development Bank and the World Bank. African Development Bank President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina stressed that achieving universal energy access is vital to Africa鈥檚 economic transformation.
The Dar es Salaam Declaration outlines strategies to lower electricity costs, reduce dependence on firewood, and boost clean energy production, offering hope for a brighter and more sustainable future for millions across the continent.
By Lulu Angelo Sanga in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
Anadolu Agency
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