Keypoints:
- €545m pledged for African renewable energy
- Projects span nine nations to widen electricity access
- EU stresses climate goals and job creation
THE European Union has unveiled a €545 million funding package to accelerate renewable energy development across Africa, in a move aimed at expanding electricity access and supporting global climate objectives.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the initiative in a video address to the Global Citizen Festival, held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The Commission confirmed the pledge in a statement released on Saturday.
Expanding access and stability
Von der Leyen said Africa’s energy choices will have far-reaching consequences for the planet. ‘The choices Africa makes today are shaping the future of the entire world,’ she noted. ‘A clean energy transition on the continent will create jobs, stability, growth, and the delivery of our global climate goals.’
The EU highlighted that while Africa holds vast renewable potential, around 600 million people still live without electricity. Strengthening regional power grids and investing in solar, wind and other clean sources are seen as crucial for development and stability.
Projects across nine countries
Funds from the EU package will support projects in Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon, the Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Ghana, the Central African Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique and Somalia. The initiatives will focus on expanding grid infrastructure, installing renewable generation capacity and fostering local green energy industries.
The European Commission said the investment reflects a broader commitment to partnership with African nations as they navigate the transition from fossil fuels. It also positions renewable energy as a driver of economic growth and a safeguard against climate change.
Global cooperation for clean energy
The pledge aligns with the EU’s broader Green Deal strategy and comes amid increasing calls for wealthy nations to assist developing regions in meeting international climate targets. By strengthening African energy systems, the EU aims to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create sustainable jobs.
The Commission added that it will work closely with African governments and regional bodies to ensure the funding delivers measurable progress in electricity access and grid reliability.
