EU unveils $638M green energy push in Africa to spark jobs and power access

The European Union has announced a €545 million ($638 million) initiative to accelerate Africa’s transition to clean energy,aiming to expand electrification,modernize power grids,and improve access to renewable power across nine countries.

Unveiled by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the Global Citizen Festival in New York,the funding forms part of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy. The program addresses a critical need: nearly 600 million Africans still lack access to electricity despite the continent’s vast renewable potential. Côte d’Ivoire is the largest beneficiary,receiving €359.4 million to develop a high-voltage transmission project that will boost regional energy distribution. Cameroon will gain €59.1 million for rural electrification,and Somalia €45.5 million to widen affordable energy access.

Other allocations include €33.2 million for rural mini-grids in Madagascar,€25.9 million for Lesotho’s wind and hydro energy program,€13 million to aid Mozambique’s low-emission energy transition,€3.5 million for renewable expansion in the Republic of Congo,and €2 million for Ghana’s solar park groundwork. Von der Leyen emphasized that “the choices Africa makes today are shaping the future of the entire world,” noting the program could create up to 38 million green jobs by 2030. The investment marks a strategic move to address energy poverty while supporting Africa’s growing role in global climate solutions.