UK supports access to renewable energy in Africa

Millions of Africans will be connected to renewable electricity in a partnership between the UK and the African Development Bank.

The investment was announced by UK Minister for Africa Lord Collins, just as the UK's Special Representative for Climate Rachel Kyte attended the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit on 27 January in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. 

The Mission 300 initiative aims to expand electricity access to 300 million people in Africa by 2030. Half of Africa’s population – 600 million people – lack vital access to electricity. 

A £5.3mln deal between British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution, and UK cleantech firm MOPO is being publicised.  

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office state this investment will enable MOPO to expand its pay-per-use battery rental operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where over 80% of the population are reported to lack access to electricity. 

Also, Lord Collins is pledging UK support of £8.5mln towards the African Development Bank’s Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa to build on existing efforts to connect millions of people across the continent with renewable power. 

The support is delivered as part of the UK’s Africa Regional Climate and Nature Programme (ARCAN). 

ARCAN is part of the UK’s wider £11.6bln International Climate Finance commitment. 

The project will develop solar-powered mini-grids in rural communities and provide technical assistance for large-scale renewable energy projects. 

Tanzania was one of the first countries to sign up to the first mission of the UK’s Global Clean Power Alliance.  

The two countries are working together to boost the global clean energy transition, while furthering trade opportunities.