Jeddah, January 28, 2025 – Muhammad Al Jasser, Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, participated on Monday in the two-day Mission 300 African Energy Summit held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The summit, which brought together energy experts, policymakers, and international stakeholders, focused on addressing the energy crisis in Sub-Saharan Africa. Al Jasser's remarks highlighted the urgent need for access to electricity, emphasizing that energy is not only essential for development but is a fundamental human right.
Mission 300 is an ambitious initiative with the goal of connecting 300 million people to electricity by 2030. The initiative seeks to ensure that the continent's transition to cleaner, more diverse energy sources meets the growing demand while fostering economic growth and job creation. Al Jasser praised the mission’s objectives, noting that its success would be transformative for the region, impacting not only the energy sector but also broader social sectors such as education, healthcare, and economic development.
During a panel discussion focused on the role of international partners in accelerating Africa’s energy transformation, Al Jasser addressed the severe energy deficit on the continent, where approximately 600 million people currently lack access to electricity. He pointed out that this energy shortfall has far-reaching implications, hindering the continent’s progress in education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. “Access to electricity is not a mere developmental goal, it is a fundamental human right,” Al Jasser stated, underscoring the critical nature of expanding energy access for Africa’s population.
Al Jasser also outlined key strategies for overcoming the region's energy challenges. He emphasized the need for comprehensive regulatory reforms that encourage private-sector involvement in energy projects. According to Al Jasser, legislators, service providers, and regulators must work independently but collaboratively, creating an ecosystem that allows for sustainable energy solutions. He reiterated the importance of the IsDB’s strategic focus on innovative financing, targeted investments, and the development of strong partnerships, which are central to the bank’s commitment to advancing the Mission 300 initiative.
The efforts within Mission 300 are concentrated on investments in power generation, transmission, and distribution, as well as regional interconnection to create a more integrated energy grid across Africa. The initiative also focuses on sector reform to ensure that energy supplies are not only abundant but also reliable, affordable, and sustainable for all. By addressing both infrastructure challenges and regulatory barriers, Mission 300 aims to create a robust energy framework capable of supporting the region’s long-term growth.
Al Jasser’s participation in the summit underscores the IsDB’s continued commitment to advancing Africa's energy transition. The bank plays a pivotal role in providing financial support and expertise to energy projects that align with the goals of Mission 300. With the backing of international partners, the initiative is set to make significant strides in reducing energy poverty, promoting sustainable development, and powering the economic transformation of Sub-Saharan Africa. As the summit continues, it serves as a critical platform for strengthening collaboration and ensuring that energy access becomes a reality for millions of people across the continent by 2030.