European Commission Pledges $589m to Boost Renewable Energy in Africa
The European Commission has announced a €545 million ($589 million) Team Europe package to boost Africa’s shift toward renewable energy.
The pledge was unveiled by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the Global Citizen Festival, marking a major milestone in the Scaling Up Renewables in Africa campaign co-hosted with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The initiative seeks to raise global awareness and mobilize public and private investments to expand clean energy generation and access across the continent.
“The choices Africa makes today are shaping the future of the entire world. A clean energy transition on the continent will create jobs, stability, growth and the delivery of our global climate goals,” von der Leyen said. “The European Union, with the Global Gateway investment plan, is fully committed to supporting Africa on its clean energy path.”
Africa holds immense renewable energy potential, yet nearly 600 million people remain without electricity. The continent’s energy transition is therefore pivotal not only for local development and stability but also for global progress on climate change.
Investments in solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power are expected to strengthen energy systems, create up to 38 million green jobs by 2030, and build resilience across supply chains. Through its Global Gateway investment strategy, the EU is driving projects in power generation, transmission, and cross-border electricity trade, while deepening international partnerships.
The new €545 million package expands Team Europe’s footprint with projects supporting electrification, grid modernization, and renewable energy access in Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Ghana, Central Africa, Madagascar, Mozambique, and Somalia.
The Scaling Up Renewables in Africa campaign, carried out in collaboration with advocacy group Global Citizen and supported by the International Energy Agency, is pushing for fresh commitments from governments, financial institutions, the private sector, and philanthropists. These range from capital pledges to technical expertise, aimed at accelerating Africa’s clean energy future.
Go to ECONEWS.co.ke for more sustainability news from the African continent.
Mark your calendars! The GreenShift Sustainability Forum is back in Nairobi this November. Join innovators, policymakers & sustainability leaders for a breakfast forum as we explore sustainable solutions shaping the continent’s future. Limited slots – Register now – here. Email info@techtrendsmedia.co.ke for partnership requests.
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