The European Commission and the World Bank Group collaborate to expand energy access in Africa

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and World Bank Group President Ajay Banga announced a partnership to align the European Commissions initiative to expand renewable energy in Africa with the Mission 300, aiming to provide electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030.

With 600 million people in Africa lacking electricity, coordinated action is crucial to unleash growth potential, meet rising demand, create jobs, and improve living standards. The collaboration between Mission 300 and Scaling Up Renewables in Africa aims to drive this transformation.

President von der Leyen stated: “We have a mission: to power Africa with clean energy. Last November, I launched, alongside President Ramaphosa, the Scaling up Renewables in Africa campaign to spur essential investments for this goal. Today, we advance further by joining forces with the World Bank to accelerate renewable energy deployment across the continent. Together, we strive to deliver cleaner and more sustainable electricity to millions.”

This collaboration will enhance support for sustainable energy projects in Africa, culminating in the G20 Leaders Summit in South Africa in November 2025. Commitments from the Scaling Up Renewables in Africa campaign will contribute to the Mission 300 initiative, advancing the shared goal of improved energy connectivity for the African population.

Additional information is available online.

(For more information: Paula Pinho — Tel.: +32 2 292 08 15; Guillaume Mercier – Tel.: +32 2 298 05 64)

Commissioner Kos visits the European Investment Bank to sign €1.95 billion guarantee under Ukraine Facility

Marta Kos, Commissioner for Enlargement, will be in Luxembourg tomorrow for the signing ceremony of a new €1.95 billion guarantee agreement with the European Investment Bank (EIB) in support of Ukraine. This additional guarantee aims to support loans and unlock the potential of private investments, focusing on urgent recovery and reconstruction efforts in Ukraine.

European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos said: “This guarantee agreement with the EIB underscores the European Unions crucial role in supporting Ukraine as it endures the fourth year of Russias brutal war of aggression. We will stand by Ukraine for as long as necessary and with the intensity required. This new guarantee will help Ukrainians rebuild their country, restoring water and heating systems, schools, and hospitals.”

The funds will support public sector operations across key sectors, including investments in Ukraines energy networks, covering energy grids, expanding hydropower and renewable energy production, and improving energy efficiency. Support will also go toward modernizing railways, enhancing urban public transport, and upgrading transport connectivity, including Solidarity Lanes and border crossing points to facilitate key export routes. Additionally, the financing will help restore municipal infrastructure, such as water and heating systems, public lighting, as well schools, hospitals, and higher education institutions. These objectives align with the Ukrainian governments priorities and needs as expressed in the Ukraine Plan. This funding is part of the European Unions €50 billion Ukraine Facility for the period 2024-2027. 

To further support the implementation of EIB investments under the Ukraine Facility, the EIB and the Ukrainian government have also signed an agreement to deploy a team of advisory experts on the ground in Kyiv. This team will provide hands-on expertise to accelerate the preparation and execution of critical projects and strategic documents, starting with energy, transport, and housing and expanding to other sectors, including contributions to Public Investment Management reform.

More information on the Ukraine Facility is available online.

(For more information: Guillaume Mercier – Tel.: +32 2 298 05 64; Eirini Zarkadoula – Tel.: +32 2 295 70 65)