AFD and SEforALL strengthen their partnership to accelerate universal energy access in Africa

Cape Town, February 26, 2025 – On the sidelines of the Finance in Common Summit (FiCS) 2025, the Agence française de développement (AFD) and Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) announce the signing of a statement of intent to strengthen their collaboration in accelerating universal access to sustainable and affordable energy in sub-Saharan Africa.

This initiative is part of Mission 300, a large-scale program led by the World Bank and the African Development Bank, aiming to electrify 300 million people in Africa by 2030. The signing of this statement marks a decisive step in mobilizing public and private sector stakeholders to address the continent’s energy challenges.

A Structuring Partnership to Transform Energy Access in Africa

This partnership is built on four key strategic pillars. First, a strengthened strategic dialogue to align priorities, with the establishment of an annual dialogue and joint participation in international events to mobilize additional funding. Second, the mobilization of new financing through innovative mechanisms to catalyze investments and support local financial institutions in financing energy sector businesses.

Innovation is also at the heart of this collaboration. AFD and SEforALL will organize an innovation challenge in Nigeria in 2026 to reinforce the European Union co-financed Digital Energy program (an initiative under the Global Gateway strategy) in order to accelerate the digital transformation of the country’s electricity sector. Additionally, both organizations will explore the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence applied to energy, optimizing efficiency and infrastructure management. Finally, AFD and SEforALL will work to integrate existing initiatives, particularly through SEforALL’s Universal Energy Facility (UEF), while mobilizing SMEs, start-ups, and local operators to ensure the viability and impact of electrification projects.

Turning Political Ambitions into Concrete Solutions

Through this partnership, AFD and SEforALL reaffirm their commitment to translating political ambitions into concrete solutions. By combining their expertise and leveraging their respective networks, both organizations aim to play a key role in implementing a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient energy transition in sub-Saharan Africa.

This strategic partnership with SEforALL is a major step forward in accelerating energy access in Africa. Building on the commitments made by France, through the AFD Group, at the Mission 300 Summit in Dar-es-Salaam, we aim to combine our efforts, stimulate innovation, mobilise finance and provide concrete solutions for populations still without electricity.  said Rémy Rioux, Chief Executive Officer of AFD Group.

AFD’s support to SDG7 is testament to its commitment to advancing the global energy transition in a just and inclusive manner. AFD and SEforALL recognize the need for stronger collaboration to promote sustainable energy solutions, mobilize financing, and enhance knowledge sharing to achieve meaningful impact in the energy sector. I am particularly pleased about the resonance between our initiatives and our forthcoming cooperation. Damilola Ogunbiyi, UN Special Representative of the Secretary General and CEO of Sustainable Energy for All, and Co-Chair of UN Energy.

Media Contacts

Sophie Noël, Agence française de développement (AFD), noels@afd.fr

Sherry Kennedy, Director of Communications: Sherry.Kennedy@SEforALL.org / Media@SEforALL.org | +43 676 486 2425
 

About AFD

Agence Française de Développement (AFD) helps advance France’s policy on sustainable investment and international solidarity. Through its public sector and NGO financing operations, research and publications (Éditions AFD), sustainable development training programs (AFD Group Campus) and awareness-raising activities in France, AFD finances, supports and drives the transition to a fairer, more resilient world.

Alongside our partners, we provide sustainable solutions for—and with—communities. Our teams are working on over 2,700 projects in the field, in over 115 countries, including France’s overseas departments and territories, to support projects for the climate, biodiversity, peace, gender equality and global health. Together with Proparco and Expertise France, AFD supports the commitment of France and the French people to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Working by your side, toward a world in common.

About SEforALL

Sustainable Energy for All is an independent organization, hosted by UNOPS, with a global mandate to accelerate progress on the energy transition in emerging and developing countries. We work at the intersection of energy, climate, and development. We collaborate with governments and partners worldwide to end energy poverty, accelerate the deployment of renewable energy solutions, and combat climate change. Learn more about our work at www.SEforALL.org