In a significant move to advance clean energy access in sub-Saharan Africa, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has unveiled a new Power Africa initiative for East and Central Africa. With an allocated budget of up to $88.9 million over a five-year period, this initiative aims to expand access to reliable and cleaner energy sources in the region.

Administrator Samantha Power made the announcement at the Africa Energy Forum held between 20-23 June 2023, in Nairobi, Kenya, during remarks to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Power Africa, a U.S. government-led partnership aimed at ending energy poverty in sub-Saharan Africa. Power Africa has already made remarkable strides, providing electricity access to over 172 million people across the region since its inception in 2013.

The new Power Africa program in East and Central Africa will focus on facilitating 10 million on- and off-grid connections for households and businesses, benefitting approximately 50 million individuals. These connections will enable access to electricity generated from cleaner fuel sources. Additionally, the initiative aims to mobilize $4.7 billion in new public and private investments to support the development of 1,227 megawatts of clean energy capacity and the construction of 1,500 kilometers of transmission lines. This initiative will play a crucial role in delivering electricity to homes and businesses, furthering economic growth and improving living standards in the region.