By Abdullahi Lukman
Denmark, UK, France, Spain, and Japan have contributed €40 million to the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) to accelerate the continent’s transition to clean and renewable energy.
The breakdown shows that France, a first-timer to the fund, contributed €10 million, directed towards the Africa Green Infrastructure Alliance (AGIA) to support large-scale renewable energy projects.
Denmark contributed DKK 100 million (approximately €13.4 million) focusing on the Africa-led Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa (APRA).
UK contributed £8.5 million (around €10.13 million) increase, emphasizing on the link between clean energy and broader development goals, and supporting the Mission 300 partnership.
Spain contribution is €3 million to reaffirm its commitment to renewable energy and sustainable development in Africa.
Japan, also a first-timer to the fund, contributed $5 million, reinforcing its support for Africa’s renewable energy transition.
SEFA, a multi-donor special fund, aimed at help Africa achieve universal access to affordable, sustainable, and modern energy services.
The financial support from these nations will enable SEFA, managed by the African Development Bank (AfDB), to further its mission of catalyzing private sector investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.
These contributions align with the AfDB’s New Deal on Energy for Africa and the Mission 300 partnership, which seeks to bring electricity to an additional 300 million Africans by 2030.
In 2024 alone, SEFA approved $108 million for 14 energy projects, a record for the initiative. With a portfolio exceeding $300 million, SEFA aims to unlock up to $15 billion in investments, potentially generating 12 million new electricity connections.
Officials from the contributing nations emphasized the importance of clean energy for Africa’s development.
Denmark highlighted Africa’s renewable energy potential for green industrialization.
The UK stressed the connection between clean power and economic growth. Spain reaffirmed its commitment to renewable energy’s crucial role in sustainable development.
France emphasized its investment in Africa’s green infrastructure as an investment in the continent’s sustainable future.
The AfDB welcomed these contributions, recognizing their vital role in enabling SEFA to achieve its mission.
As SEFA’s portfolio expands, the future for energy access in Africa looks increasingly promising, with the fund poised to play a key role in the continent’s energy transformation.
