Leaders from governments, businesses, and philanthropies have pledged projects to deliver 26.8 gigawatts (GW) of clean energy across Africa by 2030, enough to power more than 17.5 million homes, at the first Global Citizen NOW summit on the continent.
The event in Johannesburg, hosted by the anti-poverty organization Global Citizen and presented by Harith General Partners, capped a year-long campaign, in partnership with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Team Europe announced €15.5bn ($16.3bn; £12.9bn) in support, including €13bn from the European Investment Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and nations such as Germany, Italy and the Netherlands.
Harith General Partners plans to increase its African energy investments from 1.5GW to 5GW over five years, potentially powering 830,000 homes.
Octopus Energy will unlock $200m more via its Power Africa fund for 180 megawatts (MW), benefiting 1.1 million people, while ENERTRAG targets 1.2GW in South Africa from 2026 for 800,000 homes.
Scatec aims for 10GW globally with new solar and storage capacity for nearly one million homes and 10,000 jobs; Sun King pledged 50 million off-grid solar systems by 2030 for 200 million people.
The African Development Bank committed 20% of its latest fund replenishment to renewables; Norway pledged NOK 3.1bn ($290m), with $61m for clean energy.
Zambia’s Green City and Urban Solar initiatives will deliver 211MW, create 4,000 jobs and reach 2.4 million people; the Development Bank of Southern Africa eyes 3GW more.
The summit also highlighted the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, whose replenishment raised $11.34 billion amid its record of saving 70 million lives since 2002
“This is a surge of opportunity: thriving markets, new jobs, and reliable clean energy,” said Ms. von der Leyen.
“Africa’s vast potential must be harnessed… through decisive action and global solidarity,” added Mr. Ramaphosa, noting 40% of Africans lack electricity.
Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans said the pledges advance one-sixth of Africa’s energy needs by 2030, following 1.4 million public actions.
