By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
MILLIONS ACROSS Africa continue to live without reliable electricity, described as a pressing challenge that the Africa Heads of State Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, seeks to address.
The event, scheduled for January 27-28, 2025, will convene African leaders, development partners, private sector executives, and civil society groups to tackle the energy access gap under the banner of “Mission 300.”
Hosted by Tanzania in collaboration with the African Development Bank Group and the World Bank, the Summit aims to bring electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030.
President Bola Tinubu is expected to deliver a keynote address reaffirming Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa’s energy transformation.
He will highlight ongoing initiatives in clean energy and integrated energy delivery while outlining Nigeria’s strategies to ensure universal energy access.
Participants will share expertise, discuss renewable energy advancements, and strategise on mobilising private sector investment for sustainable solutions.
On the opening day, ministers from participating countries, including Nigeria, will present energy compacts, detailing strategies to achieve universal energy access within five years.
The discussions will focus on underserved regions, renewable energy integration, and improving energy efficiency.
The second day will culminate in the adoption of the Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration, a unified roadmap to achieving the Mission 300 goals.
Heads of State will endorse the declaration, reinforcing their commitment to accelerating energy access across the continent.
Accompanying the President are Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, Special Adviser on Energy Olu Verheijen, and other senior officials.
The delegation’s presence underscores Nigeria’s dedication to solving Africa’s energy challenges collaboratively.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on (Information & Strategy) states that the Summit is set to establish actionable pathways for addressing one of Africa’s most critical development barriers, with leaders emphasising sustainable solutions and partnerships.
He said after the event, President Tinubu will return to Abuja to oversee further implementation of Nigeria’s energy commitments.
