Renewable energy in Africa gets a €545m boost from the European Union to accelerate the clean energy transition, expand electricity access and create green jobs across the continent.
Renewable energy in Africa gains momentum with EU support
The European Union has announced a new €545m financing package to support renewable energy in Africa. The initiative was presented by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during the Global Citizen Festival, held alongside the United Nations General Assembly.
The package forms part of a broader cooperation strategy between Africa and Europe, aimed at accelerating the continent’s clean energy transition and strengthening long-term economic and political ties.
The announcement marks a key milestone in the Scaling Up Renewables in Africa campaign, launched jointly with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. The initiative seeks to mobilise public and private investment, speed up renewable deployment and deepen international cooperation.
Global Gateway and Europe’s strategy for renewable growth in Africa
The €545m package is part of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, which aims to connect infrastructure and promote sustainable development worldwide. Africa holds vast potential in solar, wind, hydropower and geothermal energy, yet nearly 600 million people across the continent still lack access to electricity.
As Ursula von der Leyen stated, “The choices Africa makes today are shaping the future of the entire world. A clean transition will create jobs, stability and growth, and help deliver global climate goals.”
The initiative also supports the commitment made at COP28 to triple global renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030, a target with direct relevance for fast-growing African economies.
EU-funded renewable energy projects across Africa
The new package expands EU support through targeted investments in several African countries:
- Côte d’Ivoire (€359.4m): construction of the eastern backbone, a high-voltage transmission line to strengthen regional power distribution.
- Cameroon (€59.1m): electrification of 687 rural communities, benefiting more than 2.5 million people.
- Republic of the Congo (€3.5m): expansion of access to solar, wind and hydropower.
- Lesotho (€25.9m): development of the Renewable Lesotho programme for wind and hydropower generation.
- Ghana (€2m): design of a large-scale solar park and infrastructure for regional energy trade.
- Central Africa (€3.3m): support for the Central African Power Pool, including technical assistance and feasibility studies for cross-border transmission lines.
- Madagascar (€33.2m): deployment of mini-grids to expand rural electrification.
- Mozambique (€13m): support for a low-emissions transition and private sector engagement.
- Somalia (€45.5m): renewable energy access combined with circular economy practices and climate-resilient agri-food systems.
According to European Commissioner Jozef Síkela, “Renewables are a priority under Global Gateway. From rural electrification in Cameroon to solar in Ghana and hydropower in Lesotho, this package will bring electricity to millions of Africans.”
Job creation and economic opportunities in Africa’s energy transition
Africa’s energy transition is not only an environmental and social imperative, but also a major economic opportunity. Investment in renewable energy could create up to 38 million green jobs by 2030, strengthen energy system resilience and reinforce global supply chains.
The EU package aligns with the European Green Deal, which aims for climate neutrality by 2050 and promotes international partnerships. Energy infrastructure developed under Global Gateway is also expected to enhance regional stability and cross-border electricity trade.
International cooperation as a driver for renewable energy in Africa
The Scaling Up Renewables in Africa campaign is carried out in partnership with the international organisation Global Citizen, with technical support from the International Energy Agency. The initiative aims to secure new policy and financing commitments from governments, financial institutions, the private sector and philanthropy.
The process will continue with two key milestones: the Global Gateway Forum in Brussels in early October, and the G20 Summit in South Africa on 22–23 November 2025. These events will be crucial to strengthening partnerships and investment commitments, ensuring that Africa can fully harness its renewable energy potential.
Through this package, the European Union confirms its intention to support Africa on the path towards a sustainable, inclusive and resilient energy future.
