By Abbas Nazil
New funding commitments have been announced for the African Development Bank’s (AfDB) Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA), reinforcing global efforts to expand energy access across Africa.
On the sidelines of the Africa Energy Summit, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Spain, and France pledged new or increased contributions to SEFA, while Japan joined as a donor in December 2024 with a $5 million contribution under the Africa Green Infrastructure Alliance (AGIA).
These financial commitments bolster the fund’s mission to accelerate private-sector investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency, supporting Africa’s transition to sustainable and affordable power solutions.
France, a first-time contributor, committed €10 million to SEFA, with its funding directed toward the AGIA, a collaborative platform of the African Development Bank, Africa50, and other partners that develops sustainable infrastructure projects.
Denmark, the UK, and Spain increased their existing contributions, committing DKK 100 million (€13.4 million), £8.5 million (€10.13 million), and €3 million, respectively.
These investments further strengthen SEFA’s role as a key driver of the African energy transition, unlocking billions in private investment and supporting the continent’s shift toward clean power.
SEFA’s record-breaking performance in 2024, with $108 million approved for 14 projects, reflects its expanding impact.
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The fund now manages a portfolio of over $300 million, with the potential to unlock up to $15 billion in investments and provide approximately 12 million new electricity connections.
This progress aligns with the objectives of *Mission 300*, a partnership between the African Development Bank Group, the World Bank Group, and other development partners, aiming to bring electricity access to an additional 300 million Africans by 2030.
Denmark’s Acting State Secretary for Development Policy, Ole Thonke, emphasized Africa’s untapped renewable energy potential and noted that Denmark’s latest contribution will focus on the newly established *Africa-led Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa (APRA), further supporting the continent’s development and climate goals.
Rachel Kyte, UK Special Representative for Climate at the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, highlighted the role of renewable energy in driving economic growth and climate resilience.
She stated that the UK’s additional £8.5 million pledge would mobilize private-sector investment to bring clean power to more African communities.
Spain’s Alternate Governor for the African Development Bank, Inés Carpio San Román, reaffirmed Spain’s dedication to renewable energy development in Africa with a renewed contribution of €3 million.
France’s Director General of the Treasury, Bertrand Dumont, underscored his country’s commitment to Africa’s green infrastructure, calling the €10 million pledge an investment in Africa’s sustainable future.
Dr. Daniel Schroth, Director of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency at the AfDB, welcomed the new commitments, emphasizing their crucial role in enabling SEFA to drive Mission 300’s goals forward.
These contributions mark a significant step in Africa’s journey toward a low-carbon economy, ensuring that millions gain access to clean, reliable, and affordable energy.
