The OMVG transmission network has increased Guinea’s electricity trade capacity to 340,000 KVA, up from zero in 2015, surpassing the original project target and enabling reliable cross-border energy exchange.
Guinea’s hydropower plants (Kaleta and Souapiti) now supply clean energy domestically and export 1,174 GWh annually to Senegal, The Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau, supporting regional energy transition and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Commercial losses in Guinea’s grid are projected to decrease from 40% in 2025 to 20% by 2030, thanks to grid modernization, regularization of illegal connections, and deployment of pre-paid meters under the project.
Thanks to the World Bank-financed Eastern Electricity Highway Project (EEHP) Kenya is now importing cheaper renewable electricity from Ethiopia. The 1,065 kilometers power transmission line is helping Kenya balance its electricity supply and demand. This is the first publicly financed high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line in Sub-Saharan Africa that promotes regional integration and power exchange. With a 500 kV capacity, the project is facilitating regional power trade within the Eastern African Power Pool (EAPP) by allowing for the bi-directional transfer of up to 2,000 MW of power. The transmission line became operational in December 2022 and is on track to connect to Tanzania and the Southern Africa Power Pool. The project was also supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Agence Française de Dévelopement (AFD), the Government of Ethiopia and Kenya.
NEW YORK, September 24, 2025—Seventeen African governments today committed to reforms and actionable plans to expand electricity access as part of Mission 300—an ambitious partnership led by the World Bank Group and African Development Bank Group that aims to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030.
Where villagers once struggled with basic tools and meager earnings, they now use modern electric machinery to create valuable finished products.
From increased rice production and reduced transportation costs, to booming sunflower oil businesses, access to reliable power is boosting local economies.
Tanzania is bringing its vision of universal electrification to reality with support from a $550 million International Development Association investment.
With a national electricity access rate of 84%, Senegal is making progress towards universal energy access, yet more than 30 % of rural communities remain disconnected from the grid.
As part of the Just Energy Transition Partnership, Senegal has committed to bold reforms to increase renewable energy to 40% of its generation mix by 2030 and expand total generation capacity by 70%.
The Senegal Energy Access Scale-Up Project is building and rehabilitating nearly 4,000 kilometers of power lines and will bring electricity to 200,000 households, electrify 600 health clinics and 200 schools, and ensure that all distribution infrastructure is flood-resilient.
Seating in her bedroom in Ndorong Serere, a village located 100 kms from Senegal’s Capital Dakar, Khady studies her natural science textbook under the steady glow of an electric lamp. Her dream of becoming a doctor fuels her focus, the conditions around her now match her aspirations. Just weeks ago, the scene was starkly different – she had to ration her flashlight batteries carefully, limiting her study time each evening and often struggling to complete her homework before the batteries died completely.
“I can now study my lessons in better conditions at night”. Khady attributes her recent academic progress not only to her teachers and her commitment but also to the arrival of reliable lighting. “Last year at this same time, I had a grade of 10 in natural sciences. This year, I have a grade of 17,” she says with a proud smile.
I learned and practiced carpentry at 10 kilometers from Ndorong Serere, but when electricity came to this locality, I didn’t hesitate to return and open my first carpentry workshop.
Djaraf,
Carpenter
Electricity sparks change in a Senegalese village
Bridging the energy divide
Khady’s story reflects Senegal’s broader journey toward universal electricity access. The country has made significant strides, with a national access rate of 84% according to government sources. This progress has transformed millions of lives, yet the journey is far from over. While urban areas enjoy near-universal access, over 30 % of rural communities remain disconnected from the grid.
Carpenter Djaraf using the electric plug for his works. Credit: LayeproPhotos / World Bank.
For Ndorong Serere, the arrival of electricity has been a catalyst for transformation. Djaraf, a skilled carpenter, is one of the many who seized new opportunities. “I learned and practiced carpentry at 10 kilometers from Ndorong Serere, but when electricity came to this locality, I didn’t hesitate to return and open my first carpentry workshop,” he explains.
Beyond economic opportunities, electricity has restored dignity and improved quality of life. Village elder Cheikh Dioufrecalls past struggles: “When someone passed away, residents had to travel 10 kilometers to get ice to preserve the body while waiting for the deceased’s family to come.” Now such basic challenges are a thing of the past, as energy access has fundamentally reshaped the community’s daily reality.
Cheikh Diouf during his prayers. Credit: LayeproPhotos / World Bank.
Powering progress: Senegal’s ambition
Senegal’s commitment to universal electricity access is supported by innovative financing and strategic partnerships, including the Senegal Energy Access Scale Up Project with a $150 million financing from the International Development Association (IDA). The project aims to build and rehabilitate nearly 4,000 kilometers of power lines. It will bring electricity to 200,000 households, electrify 600 health clinics and 200 schools, and ensure that 100% of distribution infrastructure is resilient to climate related events. A least-cost geospatial electrification plan is also in development to optimize efforts. Senegal’s energy strategy prioritizes mobilizing $2 billion in private investments. Recognizing that achieving universal access cannot rely solely on public resources, the approach leverages private sector innovation and efficiency to meet ambitious targets.
Embracing a sustainable energy future
The Government’s vision for the sector goes beyond access to embrace sustainability. Exploiting its gas reserves, Senegal has embarked on an ambitious plan to convert its heavy fuel production to gas and increase its renewable energy share to 40% of its generation mix by 2030, while expanding total generation capacity by 70%. This effort is part the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), a global financing initiative through which Senegal partners with France, Germany, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Canada to achieve universal energy access and develop a sustainable, low-carbon energy system by promoting renewable energy technologies. Additionally, the country is accelerating access to clean cooking solutions, aiming for an annual growth rate of 11.3%, up from the current 3.25%.
This push for clean energy access would benefit more people, with particular focus on women and communities disproportionately burdened by traditional cooking methods. The initiative aligns with the broader “Mission 300” movement, which aims to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030.
In Ndorong Serere, these national ambitions are already creating tangible change. It is a scene that Senegal hopes to replicate across every village and town, illuminating the path toward a more equitable and sustainable future.
In rural Cameroon, 75% of the population remains without electricity, even though many live near the grid.
The Nachtigal Hydropower Plant financed by the World Bank Group together with partners, will increase Cameroon’s power generation capacity by 30%.
In addition to hydropower, Cameroon is developing several solar photovoltaic plants with a total installed capacity of 250 MW to transition to a greener electricity generation mix.
In just 15 years, Rwanda has increased its electricity access to 75% from 6% in 2009. This took government ownership, leadership, and commitment, partnership with the private sector, funding from development partners, and dedicated structure and institutional strengthening.
Government ownership, leadership, and commitment to universal electrification. Since 2008, the Government of Rwanda (GoR) has been intentional in engraining electrification targets in its development strategies. The Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy 1 (EDPRS1 2008-2012) set out targets for electricity connections from 70,000 to 200,000 households, and for institutions providing social and administrative services from 50% to 80%. Likewise, both the EDPRS2 (2013-2018), and the National Strategy for Transformation 1 (2017-2024) set a universal electrification target by 2024.
In just 15 years, Rwanda has increased its electricity access to 75% from 6% in 2009. This took government ownership, leadership, and commitment, partnership with the private sector, funding from development partners, and dedicated structure and institutional strengthening.
Government ownership, leadership, and commitment to universal electrification. Since 2008, the Government of Rwanda (GoR) has been intentional in engraining electrification targets in its development strategies. The Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy 1 (EDPRS1 2008-2012) set out targets for electricity connections from 70,000 to 200,000 households, and for institutions providing social and administrative services from 50% to 80%. Likewise, both the EDPRS2 (2013-2018), and the National Strategy for Transformation 1 (2017-2024) set a universal electrification target by 2024.
World Bank Group, African Development Bank initiative could halve the number of people in Africa living without electricity access
WASHINGTON, April 17, 2024 – The World Bank Group and African Development Bank Group are partnering on an ambitious effort to provide at least 300 million people in Africa with electricity access by 2030.
The World Bank Group will work to connect 250 million people to electricity through distributed renewable energy systems or the distribution grid while the African Development Bank Group will support an additional 50 million people.
Netherlands for the World Bank 
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