600 Million Africans Still Without Electricity, Laments Adesina
President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has raised concerns over the continent’s worsening electricity crisis, revealing that over 600 million Africans still lack access to power.
Speaking at the 2025 Standard Chartered Bank Africa Summit held in Lagos, Adesina described the situation as unacceptable, especially given Africa’s vast renewable energy potential.
He noted that despite being home to the world’s richest solar energy resources, millions across the continent remain trapped in darkness, affecting economic growth, health, education, and quality of life.
“It is unacceptable that 600 million people in Africa have no access to electricity. Energy is fundamental to life and essential for development,” Adesina stated.
The AfDB boss stressed that bridging Africa’s energy gap was crucial to unlocking industrialization and economic transformation. He also emphasized the need for increased investments in clean and sustainable energy solutions such as solar, hydro, wind, and geothermal technologies.
Adesina highlighted that while Africa contributes the least to global greenhouse gas emissions, it suffers disproportionately from energy poverty. He called on governments, private sector players, and development partners to support the “Mission 300” initiative an ambitious plan jointly spearheaded by the AfDB and the World Bank to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030.
So far, the initiative has attracted billions of dollars in funding commitments, including pledges from international financial institutions and development banks.
The African Development Bank has already committed $18.2 billion, while the World Bank is providing $22 billion. Additional pledges include $6.15 billion from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).
Adesina concluded by urging African leaders to prioritize energy infrastructure in national budgets and policy frameworks, stating that electrifying Africa is not just a development goal but a moral imperative
