The UK is taking significant steps to drive green growth and expand electricity access across Africa, as announced by Lord Collins, Minister for Africa. Millions of people across the continent will
benefit from UK investment in clean energy projects, with a strong focus on renewable energy solutions.
A major partnership for clean energy in Africa
A new agreement between British International Investment (BII) and UK cleantech company MOPO will connect over one million people in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to renewable energy. This £5.3 million investment will enable MOPO to scale its pay-per-use battery rental operations, providing affordable and sustainable energy access in a country where over 80% of the population currently lacks electricity.
The announcement aligns with the UK’s Plan for Change, which seeks to leverage British technological innovation to power global green growth, tackle poverty, and address climate change.
Supporting Mission 300 and Africa’s energy goals
Lord Collins’ announcement coincides with the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, where the UK reaffirmed its commitment to expanding electricity access for 300 million Africans by 2030. Currently, half of Africa’s population—approximately 600 million people—lack electricity, posing a significant barrier to economic development and growth.
The UK is one of the largest investors in clean energy across Africa and is working closely with the African Development Bank to channel private sector investment into renewable energy projects. As part of this effort, the UK has committed an additional £8.5 million to the bank’s Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA). This funding will accelerate renewable energy adoption, improve energy efficiency, and support projects like solar-powered mini-grids in rural communities.
Advancing the UK’s vision for green growth
Minister Lord Collins emphasized the UK’s commitment to becoming a clean energy superpower by 2030, while sharing expertise and innovation with African partners to drive green growth and eradicate poverty. He stated: “The UK has set a landmark goal to be the first major economy to deliver clean power by 2030, and through our Plan for Change we’ll harness technology to transform the UK into a clean energy superpower. We want to leverage this ambition with our African partners to power green growth, eradicate poverty and tackle climate change.
Connecting the continent to clean, reliable energy is vital, and UK support is helping ensure millions are getting the access they need to prosper through planet-friendly solutions. This will also allow us to deepen our partnerships across Africa, sharing expertise, finance and innovation”.
The UK’s Special Representative for Climate, Rachel Kyte, echoed this sentiment during the summit, highlighting the importance of clean energy for inclusive economic growth and development:
“Reliable, affordable and clean energy is the cornerstone of economic growth and development. Clean energy, through modern grids and distributed renewable energy offers an opportunity for inclusive growth. Helping end energy poverty supports growth, builds resilience and puts countries on a pathway that helps our common challenge of fighting climate change. The UK is working with partners across Africa to connect millions of people in the region with cleaner and more efficient power. That is why I’m pleased to be at this summit, supporting Mission 300 and reaffirming our commitment to our shared sustainable development goals especially in Africa”.
Unlocking new opportunities for growth
BII CEO Leslie Maasdorp praised the partnership with MOPO and emphasized the importance of collaboration between African governments, development institutions, and private sector actors to achieve clean energy goals.
"Our investment in MOPO demonstrates how we can create early-stage solutions to expand energy access for more Africans," he said.
Strengthening UK-Africa partnerships
Today’s announcements also underline the enduring partnership between the UK and Tanzania. Tanzania was among the first countries to join the UK’s Global Clean Power Alliance, a collaborative effort to advance the global transition to clean energy while fostering trade opportunities and economic growth.
Through these initiatives, the UK is not only addressing energy poverty in Africa but also creating opportunities for investment and job creation in British businesses. This approach exemplifies the UK’s leadership in tackling climate change and promoting sustainable development worldwide.
By combining innovation, investment, and international collaboration, the UK is championing a greener and more prosperous future for millions across Africa. Photo by MONUSCO/Myriam Asmani, Wikimedia commons.