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Inside a New Plan to Bring Electricity to 300 Million in Africa

Summary

The World Bank, African Development Bank, and other lenders have pledged $35 billion to expand electricity access in Africa, focusing on solar minigrids and grid extensions. The initiative aims to connect 300 million people over six years, but skepticism remains due to past failures, such as Tanzania’s rejection of private-sector solar projects. Many minigrids have shut down due to government-imposed price caps, leaving communities without power. Lenders now require regulatory reforms to enable private-sector competition. While solar costs have dropped, political instability and financial challenges could hinder progress. Advocates say decentralized solar is the fastest, most cost-effective way to expand electricity access, but success depends on government cooperation and long-term investment stability.

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