The Rockefeller Foundation’s Bold Move to Electrify Africa
WASHINGTON, D.C. | March 19, 2026 — At the recent Powering Africa Summit, a significant announcement was made by The Rockefeller Foundation and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet. They revealed that their investment in the Mission 300 initiative has now crossed the US$100 million mark. This commitment aims to provide electricity access to 300 million Africans by 2030, in collaboration with the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank.
Since the initial pledge of US$10 million in September 2024, The Rockefeller Foundation and the Alliance have actively worked to enhance delivery capabilities, attract private investments, and speed up project development across nearly two dozen African nations. During a discussion with Chris Wright, U.S. Department of Energy Secretary, Dr. Rajiv J. Shah, President of The Rockefeller Foundation, highlighted the expansion of their financial commitment to this crucial initiative.
Dr. Kevin Kariuki of the African Development Bank emphasized the transformative potential of Mission 300, stating: “Mission 300 is fundamentally about delivery, and turning ambition into results at scale. Catalytic capital from partners such as The Rockefeller Foundation and the Global Energy Alliance plays a critical role in strengthening government delivery capacity, de-risking investments, and accelerating projects that can mobilize much larger flows of public and private finance.”
Dr. Shah underscored the importance of electricity access as a vital tool for alleviating poverty, saying, “The Rockefeller Foundation has made its biggest-ever bet on connecting people to electricity as the single best pathway out of large-scale poverty.” He added that the Foundation’s investment reflects a commitment to advancing well-being by empowering nations, leveraging technology, and setting clear, measurable objectives.
Globally, 730 million people still lack basic electricity access, with 85% of these individuals residing in sub-Saharan Africa. This deficit impacts healthcare, education, and economic opportunities, with electricity access recognized as the single greatest predictor of extreme poverty.
Woochong Um, CEO of the Global Energy Alliance, noted the critical role of electricity in fostering economic resilience: “Reliable, affordable, abundant electricity is essential for jobs, prosperity, and resilience.” He highlighted Mission 300’s collaborative approach, which unites government entities, development banks, and private sector stakeholders to stimulate investment and ensure sustainable energy solutions.
The partnership aims to implement its commitments through various strategies, including National Energy Compacts, technical assistance, and private-sector engagement. The Rockefeller Foundation and the Alliance have already extended their support to 23 countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, and Ethiopia, providing technical assistance and launching initiatives like the Mission 300 Fellowships and the Clean Cooking Accelerator Initiative.
Additional efforts include expanding the Productive Use Financing Facility to promote energy-efficient appliances and investing in the Zafiri capital fund to support off-grid solar projects. The initiative also fosters an investment-friendly environment, encouraging private sector involvement through funds like the Acumen Hardest to Reach Fund.
Since its inception, Mission 300 has connected approximately 44 million Africans to electricity, with plans to extend this reach significantly by 2026. The initiative continues to support the development of National Energy Compacts in 30 countries, setting the stage for comprehensive energy reforms and investments.
For more information, visit World Bank Energizing Africa Dashboard.
About the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet
The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet Inc. collaborates with multiple partners to address energy poverty and promote green economic growth. Founded by The Rockefeller Foundation, IKEA Foundation, and Bezos Earth Fund, the Alliance aims to transform markets and institutions, fostering a world where everyone has access to reliable, clean energy.
Operating in over 30 countries, the Alliance seeks to provide clean electricity to 1 billion people, prevent 4 billion tons of carbon emissions, and create 150 million jobs. For more details, visit www.energyalliance.org and follow on X @EnergyAlliance.
About The Rockefeller Foundation
With a history of investing $30 billion over 113 years, The Rockefeller Foundation is committed to improving humanity’s well-being through innovative partnerships and solutions. The Foundation focuses on energy, food, health, and finance, leveraging technology and scientific advancements. Learn more by subscribing to their newsletter at The Rockefeller Foundation Newsletter and follow on X @RockefellerFdn, Instagram @rockefellerfdn, YouTube @RockefellerFdn, and LinkedIn @the-rockefeller-foundation.
Original Story at www.rockefellerfoundation.org