Dar es Salaam: Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group Chairman Muhammad Al Jasser participated on Monday in the two-day Mission 300 African Energy Summit, held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, highlighting access to electricity as a fundamental human right.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Mission 300 is an ambitious initiative aimed at connecting 300 million people to electricity in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030. It seeks to ensure that the transition to more diverse and cleaner energy sources meets demand, fosters economic growth, and creates jobs.
During a panel discussion on the role of international partners in accelerating the energy transformation, Al Jasser addressed the continent's energy crisis, noting that 600 million people lack access to electricity. He emphasized that the deficit adversely impacts education, healthcare, and economic growth, asserting that access to electricity is not merely a developmental goal but a fundamental human right.
Al Jasser underscored the necessity of regulatory reforms and encouragement of private-sector participation. He said that legislators, service providers, and regulators should operate independently while collaborating effectively to achieve the objectives of the Mission 300 initiative. He reiterated the pillars of the IsDB's strategy, represented by strategic investments, innovative financing, and strong partnerships.
Efforts within Mission 300 are focused on investing in power generation, transmission, and distribution, as well as regional interconnection and sector reform to guarantee the quality, reliability, and affordability of energy supplies.