This momentum will play a crucial role at the upcoming Invest in African Energy (IAE) Forum, scheduled for May 2025 in Paris. The forum aims to catalyze energy investment and foster strategic partnerships across Africa, providing a platform for critical dialogue on scaling renewable energy projects, refining regulatory frameworks and mobilizing both private and public sector stakeholders. These efforts, supported by the pledges from COP29, underscore the importance of locally-driven initiatives in bridging Africa’s energy gap, emphasizing collaboration, regulatory support and clean technology deployment. Together, these actions reinforce the continent’s capacity to lead transformative energy transitions.

Rockefeller Foundation Commits $10.9 Million

The Rockefeller Foundation has announced a $10.9 million commitment to support African-led clean energy solutions. This major funding package emphasizes the continent’s potential to spearhead innovative energy transition initiatives and reinforces Africa’s leadership role in sustainable energy development. The investment includes $2.1 million for the newly established African Energy Futures Initiative, $3 million to the African School of Regulation and $400,000 to launch the inaugural Clean Cooking Delivery Unit in Kenya. Additionally, $300,000 is allocated to integrate off-grid solar power into national electrification strategies across nearly 24 countries, while $5 million will support the deployment of over 1,000 mini-grids in rural Zambia. By focusing on capacity-building, regulatory advancements and clean energy deployment, these initiatives seek to close the continent’s “Green Power Gap” – an estimated 8,700 TWh deficit of renewable energy needed by 2050 across developing regions.

U.K.’s Support for Clean Cooking

The U.K. has pledged to help provide clean cooking solutions to 10 million people worldwide, a significant step towards reducing harmful emissions from traditional cooking methods. With a particular focus on sub-Saharan Africa – where more than 900 million Africans continue to rely on polluting fuels – this initiative aims to alleviate the health risks associated with the use of solid fuels, such as firewood and charcoal, which are common in many rural households. The UK's support is expected to include both financial investment and technical assistance, enabling communities to transition to clean cooking technologies that are safer and more sustainable.

AfDB's Climate Action Window

In another milestone development, the African Development Bank (AfDB) launched its Climate Action Window during COP29, a new initiative designed to unlock climate finance for Africa's most vulnerable regions. The Climate Action Window will provide technical assistance to help African nations access and deploy climate financing for key renewable energy projects. With a focus on clean energy transitions, this initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions, while addressing the energy access challenges faced by millions across the continent. The AfDB’s leadership is crucial in mobilizing international investment in Africa’s renewable energy infrastructure, positioning the bank as a key player in Africa’s sustainable development goals.

Africa at the Heart of the Global Energy Transition

These commitments reflect a coordinated, multi-pronged approach to addressing Africa’s energy access and climate challenges. Unlike traditional aid-driven models, these deals focus on sustainable, long-term solutions, with financial institutions, governments and private sector players working together to unlock capital and technical expertise for renewable energy projects. The emphasis on clean cooking, the AfDB’s Climate Action Window, and platforms like the IAE 2025 Forum signal growing recognition of Africa’s potential to lead in the global clean energy transition. By prioritizing both financial investment and technical assistance, these commitments offer a holistic path forward, ensuring that Africa can meet its energy needs while contributing to global climate goals and driving inclusive economic growth.

IAE 2025 is an exclusive forum designed to facilitate investment between African energy markets and global investors. Taking place May 13-14, 2025 in Paris, the event offers delegates two days of intensive engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, please visit www.invest-africa-energy.com. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.