EU commits €545 million to accelerate Africa’s clean energy transition

The European Union has announced a funding package of nearly €545 million (approximately $638 million) to support renewable energy initiatives across Africa, aimed at expanding electricity access, strengthening regional power grids, and advancing the continent’s transition to clean energy.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled the commitment in a video message during the Global Citizen Festival held alongside the UN General Assembly.

She emphasised Africa’s pivotal role in shaping the planet’s future, noting that a clean energy shift would drive job creation, stability, economic growth, and global climate progress.

According to the European Commission, despite Africa’s vast renewable potential, nearly 600 million people remain without electricity. The pledged funds will support renewable energy projects in countries including Ivory Coast, Cameroon, the Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Ghana, the Central African Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique and Somalia. The initiative underscores the EU’s broader strategy to bolster sustainable development and climate resilience through strategic investments in critical energy infrastructure across the continent.