The European Union has unveiled a €545 million ($638 million) package to accelerate renewable energy investment across Africa, aiming to expand electrification, modernize power grids, and improve access to clean power.
Nearly 600 million Africans still live without electricity despite the continent’s vast renewable potential. The European Commission said the new program could help create up to 38 million green jobs by 2030.
The initiative will support projects in nine countries: Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Republic of Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mozambique, and Somalia.
Côte d’Ivoire will receive the largest share, €359.4 million, to finance a high-voltage power project to boost regional energy distribution.
Cameroon will get €59.1 million for rural electrification, while Somalia will receive €45.5 million to widen access to affordable renewable energy.
The Republic of Congo will receive €3.5 million to expand access to solar, wind, and hydropower. Lesotho’s “Renewable Lesotho” program will be backed with €25.9 million to unlock wind and hydro resources. Ghana will get €2 million to lay the groundwork for a large-scale solar park and regional energy trade.
Madagascar will receive €33.2 million to roll out mini-grid electrification in rural areas, and Mozambique will get €13 million to support a low-emission energy transition and spur private investment.
source: africa.businessinsider.com
African Energy Council