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Africa Investment Forum Hosts First ‘Mission 300’ Day, Accelerating Push for Universal Electricity Access

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African Development Bank

The event highlighted countries’ National Energy Compacts showcased investment-ready opportunities, and galvanised action toward the shared goal of delivering electricity access to 300 million people across Africa by 2030

RABAT, Morocco, November 27, 2025/APO Group/ –The World Bank Group and the African Development Bank Group (https://www.AfDB.org), with support from The Rockefeller Foundation, the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, and Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), hosted the inaugural “Mission 300 Day” on the sidelines of the Africa Investment Forum (AIF) 2025 Market Days (http://apo-opa.co/4oeFycH) in Rabat, Morocco.

The event highlighted countries’ National Energy Compacts showcased investment-ready opportunities, and galvanised action toward the shared goal of delivering electricity access to 300 million people across Africa by 2030.

The special Mission 300 Day convened African government ministers, investors, and development financiers to spotlight national commitments, present implementation roadmaps, and discuss progress on regulatory reforms essential for unlocking private-sector investment. Furthermore, the event served as a platform to strengthen investor-government dialogue, champion African private-sector leadership, and facilitate knowledge transfer on best practices for achieving expanded electricity access.

Mission 300 (https://apo-opa.co/4psuZUp) is a World Bank Group and African Development Bank-led initiative that brings together African governments, the private sector, and development partners to provide electricity to an additional 300 million Africans by 2030. Twenty-nine African countries have already developed National Energy Compacts (http://apo-opa.co/3KqI8yz) with time-bound targets to increase access, strengthen utilities, and attract private capital.

During the Mission 300 Day, ministers from Comoros, Guinea, Gambia, and Lesotho presented implementation roadmaps with specific deadlines for achieving universal electricity access by 2030, engaging directly with private-sector leaders and development partners on the regulatory reforms needed to unlock investment.

Since its inception in 2018, the Africa Investment Forum has attracted more than $225 billion in investment interest across critical sectors aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, the African Union’s Agenda 2063 (http://apo-opa.co/43MCVI0), and the African Development Bank’s Four Cardinal Points (http://apo-opa.co/3Mp6hpJ) vision.

Through Mission 300, we’re advancing an investor-ready energy transition for Africa

Erik Fernstrom, Regional Director for Infrastructure, East and Southern Africa, World Bank Group “Mission 300 is proving that Africa is open for business. With energy reforms underway, strong country leadership, and bankable projects ready to go, we’ve created real opportunities for private capital to scale solutions that will power Africa’s transformation. Energy access is not just a target—it’s about creating jobs, igniting economic growth, and giving millions the chance to build better lives.”    

Kevin Kariuki, Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate & Green Growth, African Development Bank Group

“Mission 300 will be underpinned by massive and speedy investments in generation, transmission, distribution, as well as last-mile connectivity infrastructure, which, when complemented by necessary reforms, will ensure affordability of tariffs, financial sustainability of utilities and energy sectors, and engender enhanced private-sector investments. At the African Development Bank, we are committed to de-risking investments, mobilising institutional capital, and ensuring that Mission 300 delivers not just electricity, but millions of jobs, vibrant industries, and dignified livelihoods for our people.”

Carol Koech, VP Africa, Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet

“Mission 300 requires innovation—we cannot build the grid of the future using the tools of the past. That’s why the Global Energy Alliance provides technical guidance, prepares bankable projects, and deploys catalytic capital to attract private investment. By breaking down siloes, we mobilise the blended finance needed to scale Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) and other innovative solutions that reach underserved communities fast. The National Energy Compacts demonstrate African leadership in action, and we are proud to partner in delivering reliable, affordable, and clean energy to 300 million people by 2030.”

Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All:     

“Energy access is a powerful driver of development. Through Mission 300, we’re advancing an investor-ready energy transition for Africa. Sustainable Energy for All is working with partners to design innovative financing instruments that expand private sector participation in local-currency platforms, paving the way for a pan-African mechanism to unlock new capital for developers across the continent.”

 William Asiko, Senior Vice President for The Rockefeller Foundation

“Mission 300 represents one of the most ambitious energy and vital energy access endeavours of our time – and what we saw at AIF today confirms this momentum is real. Governments are leading; partners are strategically aligning; and a credible pipeline is emerging that can bring clean, reliable power to hundreds of millions of Africans. Philanthropy helps spark progress, but it is the collective strength of partnerships that will deliver the final results.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

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Transnet Freight Rail Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to Spotlight South Africa’s Rail Reform at African Mining Week (AMW) 2026

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Etu Energias

As South Africa accelerates freight rail reforms and private sector participation to unlock mining investment, Transnet Freight Rail CEO Russell Baatjies will outline the company’s infrastructure modernization strategy and opportunities for investors at African Mining Week 2026

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, August 20, 2026/APO Group/ –Russell Baatjies, Group Chief Executive of Transnet Freight Rail, has been confirmed as a speaker at African Mining Week (AMW) 2026 – Africa’s premier gathering for the mining industry – taking place October 14-16 in Cape Town.

 

Baatjies will participate in the Regional Connectivity: Financing Africa’s Mineral Infrastructure panel, where he is expected to discuss Transnet’s strategy to modernize South Africa’s freight rail network, expand private sector participation and strengthen regional logistics corridors to support mining growth and cross-border trade.

His participation comes as South Africa accelerates sweeping logistics reforms aimed at removing infrastructure bottlenecks and unlocking greater investment across its mining sector. As the country seeks to mobilize R2 trillion to develop its critical minerals industry – including an estimated R40 trillion in untapped iron ore resources – expanding rail and port capacity has become central to increasing exports of coal, platinum group metals, manganese, chrome and iron ore while improving regional trade connectivity.

In May 2026, Transnet signed rail access agreements with 11 Train Operating Companies (TOCs) serving the coal, manganese, container, fuel and general freight sectors, marking a major step toward opening the national freight rail network to private operators. The agreements are expected to add 24 million tons of annual freight capacity, with the potential to increase to 52 million tons over the next five years, supporting South Africa’s goal of increasing annual rail volumes from approximately 180 million tons to 250 million tons by 2030.

Building on these reforms, Transnet launched the procurement process in June 2026 for The Leasing Company, a rolling stock leasing platform designed to improve access to locomotives and wagons for both established and emerging TOCs. The initiative is expected to increase asset utilization, strengthen freight capacity and attract greater private investment into Southern Africa’s rail sector.

The company is also reinforcing its financial position to accelerate infrastructure modernization through major financing agreements, including a €300 million loan from Agence Française de Développement, a €350 million loan from the European Investment Bank, a $278 million facility from the New Development Bank, a $1 billion loan from the African Development Bank and a R94.8 billion government guarantee package supporting its long-term recovery and investment program.

Alongside infrastructure investment, Transnet is strengthening collaboration with the mining industry to improve export capacity through strategic agreements with Exxaro ResourcesUnited Manganese of KalahariHotazel Manganese Mines and Tshipi é Ntle Manganese Mining, reinforcing efforts to support higher mining production through more efficient logistics.

At AMW 2026, Baatjies is expected to examine how rail modernization, private sector participation and regional logistics integration can unlock new mining investment while strengthening Africa’s mineral value chains and improving access to global markets.

 

 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

 

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Senegal’s President and Energy Minister Confirm Official Patronage at MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026

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African Energy Chamber

MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026 will take place from 1-3 December in Dakar under the High Patronage of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and in partnership with the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum of the Republic of Senegal

DAKAR, Senegal, August 18, 2026/APO Group/ —MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026 has confirmed the official participation of Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Minister of Energy and Petroleum Dr. El Hadji Abdourahmane Diouf at this year’s event, set to take place 1-3 December at the Centre International de Conférences Abdou Diouf (CICAD) in Dakar.

Held under the High Patronage of President Faye and in partnership with the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026 reflects the Senegalese government’s commitment to advancing energy sector investment and development across the MSGBC basin.

Minister Diouf assumed office in June 2026 following the formation of Senegal’s new government, which restructured the former Ministry of Energy, Petroleum and Mines into separate portfolios to place dedicated institutional focus on the country’s expanding hydrocarbons sector. He previously served as Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation and as Minister of the Environment and Ecological Transition.

Their participation comes as Senegal consolidates its position as a new oil and gas producer. The Sangomar field produced 17.9 million barrels in the first half of 2026, while the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG project – shared with Mauritania – is now operating at full capacity following its first export cargo in early 2025.

Organized under the theme Powering Investment, Delivering Prosperity: Executing the Region’s Energy Strategy, MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026 will convene heads of state, ministers, investors, operators and development partners to shape the next phase of energy investment across Mauritania, Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Guinea-Conakry.

For more information and registration, visit www.msgbcoilgasandpower.com https://apo-opa.co/4xL10v4.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Energy Intensive Users Group of Southern Africa (EIUG) and VUKA Group announce joint EIUG Conference and C&I Energy + Storage Summit

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Energy

The EIUG Conference will provide a platform for open dialogue on electricity industry challenges and opportunities

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, August 18, 2026/APO Group/ –The Energy Intensive Users Group of Southern Africa (EIUG), together with VUKA Group (https://WeAreVUKA.com/), will co‑host the EIUG Conference alongside the C&I Energy + Storage Summit, created by VUKA Group, on 28–29 October 2026 at The Maslow Hotel, Sandton.

The EIUG Conference is more than a gathering – it is a platform to shape South Africa’s industrial energy future

The EIUG Conference will provide a platform for open dialogue on electricity industry challenges and opportunities. It will bring together government, industry leaders, energy‑intensive consumers, and service providers to exchange perspectives, strengthen industrial competitiveness, and explore solutions for South Africa’s energy future.

The two‑day programme features ministerial and industry keynotes, panel discussions on tariff escalation, carbon tax, CBAM, and electricity market reforms, as well as masterclasses on financing, digitalisation, grid security, and hydrogen development.

Delegates will also benefit from networking functions, case study presentations, and practical workshops designed to accelerate the just energy transition.

“The EIUG Conference is more than a gathering – it is a platform to shape South Africa’s industrial energy future,” says Fanele Mondi, EIUG CEO. “ By bringing together government, industry, and service providers, we aim to foster open dialogue and practical solutions that support competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience.”

For more information, visit EIUG Conference (https://apo-opa.co/4x0Wzwd).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

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