EU commits €545m to Africa’s green future
The European Commission is investing €545m ($640m) in projects across Africa, seeking to fast-track Africa’s clean energy transition, aiming to power millions and create green jobs. The initiative, unveiled by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, is part of the ‘Scaling Up Renewables in Africa’ campaign and will mobilize public and private investment to expand access to solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power.
Projects announced include €359m for a high-voltage transmission line in Côte d’Ivoire, €59m for Cameroon on rural electrification for 687 communities, reaching more than 2.5 million people, and €26m for Lesotho aimed at expanding access to renewable energy sources, including solar, wind and hydropower.
The funds include €33m for Madagascar to expand electrification with mini grids in rural areas, €13m for Mozambique to support a low-emission energy transition and encourage private sector involvement, and €45.5m for Somalia to increase access to affordable renewable energy, advancing circular economy practices, and building climate-resilient agri-food systems.
The Republic of Congo will get €3.5m to help expand access to renewable energy sources, Ghana is in line for €2m to help lay the groundwork for a large-scale solar park and regional energy trade, while central Africa will received €3.3m for technical assistance and funding research initiatives.
Europe is seeking to diversify its energy partnerships in response to geopolitical disruptions, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Africa is viewed as a key partner due to its significant untapped renewable resources, such as solar power in the Sahel, hydropower in Central Africa, wind along coastal areas, and geothermal energy in the Rift Valley. Unlike China’s emphasis on fossil-fuel infrastructure and the United States’ focus on security, the European Union is presenting its approach as climate-oriented and aimed at long-term sustainability.
President Ursula von der Leyen announced the move via video at the Global Citizen Festival during the UN General Assembly, at the end of September, alongside South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Von der Leyen said accelerating Africa’s clean energy could create up to 38 million green jobs by 2030, boost regional stability, and strengthen global climate efforts. Run with Global Citizen and backed by the International Energy Agency, the campaign will peak at the G20 summit in South Africa in November.
‘The choices Africa makes today are shaping the future of the entire world. A clean energy transition on the continent will create jobs, stability, growth and the delivery of our global climate goals. The European Union, with the Global Gateway investment plan, is fully committed to supporting Africa on its clean energy path,’ said President von der Leyen.
