1. DRC gets the largest mini-grid project in Africa

The World Bank is collaborating with MIGA, IFC, and IDA to support Africa's largest mini-grid project. This is part of a 2022 initiative aimed at achieving universal electrification in Africa by 2030. This ambitious Mini-Grid Strategy focuses on delivering mini-grids at scale in the DRC, providing financial and technical support to Nuru, mini grid solar company. DRC has an electrification rate of just 19%, and the second-highest number of people globally—about 77 million—without access to electricity, trailing only Nigeria. In rural areas, less than 2% are electrified, highlighting the critical need for this initiative. Read more

2.Power line to link southern and East Africa by 2025

Tanzania is building a new transmission line to export 300 MW of electricity to Zambia.This move will address Zambia's load-shedding issues and improve Tanzania's domestic electricity infrastructure.The 300 MW supplied to Zambia will cover nearing half of its current electricity deficit of approximately 750 MW. The Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco), the country’s power utility, confirmed that the 400 kilovolt (kV) Tanzania-Zambia line will be completed in November 2025. The project seeks to connect  at least 30 nations in the Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP) with the Southern Africa Power Pool (SAPP). Read more

3. WEF says Morocco leads North Africa in energy transition

The World Economic Forum’s (WEF) report “Fostering Effective Energy Transition 2024” has Morocco as  leader in North Africa’s transition to cleaner energy sources. Ranking 65th globally on the Energy Transition Index (ETI), Morocco leads the Maghreb region with a strong score driven by its robust existing energy infrastructure and its readiness for future energy needs. This progress aligns with global trends emphasizing the importance of renewable energy investments and sustainable policy frameworks.

• Ambitious Renewable Energy Targets: Morocco aims to have 52% of its electricity production from renewable sources by 2030, positioning it second among Arab nations.

• Investment in Clean Energy: Capital investment in clean energy infrastructure in Morocco reached $1.8 trillion by 2023, indicating substantial financial commitment.

• Human Capital Development: The country focuses on building a skilled workforce for the clean energy sector, crucial for a smooth energy transition and the creation of “clean jobs.”

• Public-Private Partnerships: To solidify its leadership role, Morocco is encouraged to attract further investments and foster stronger public-private partnerships to bolster infrastructure and diversify its energy mix.

4. Today’s Number

 … is the total budget for Liberia’s hydropower project that will increase the country’s hydro capacity from 88 MW to 129 MW.

5. Mega project: A plan for 4GW renewable energy in Cameroon

Infinity Power has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Cameroon West Regional Council to develop up to 4GW of renewable energy across the Western Region of Cameroon by 2035. This initiative aims to address the country's critical power needs by developing projects that include solar, wind, battery storage, hydropower, and biomass plants. UN-Habitat will provide technical assistance and governance support to ensure the projects benefit local communities. The region, currently receiving only 100MW from the national grid for over 2 million people, has a renewable energy potential exceeding 6GW.

• The Western Region of Cameroon has an electricity access rate of 65.45% as of 2021.

• The projects are expected to impact the lives of more than 5 million Cameroonians.

6. Spark Insight:

Nader Zaki-Regional President for the Middle East and North Africa, bp

7. Picture of the Day 

Smiling while the sun shines: Technicians install solar panels on a warehouse

8. Media Monitoring

• Funding: Meridiam-owned Rift Valley Energy has secured $15 million from the UK's development finance institution, British International Investment (BII). This will help to build 7.6MW of wind and hydroelectric power projects.

• Pact: Germany and Morocco have signed an agreement to enhance cooperation in renewable energy and hydrogen production. Morocco aims to produce 52% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030.

• Opportunity: Swaziland’s electricity company has opened its tenders for the development and construction of the Maguga Hydropower Projects. Interested parties should submit their proposals by 23rd August at 11 am.

• Potential Growth: South Africa aims to install over 8GW of solar capacity in the next eight years. The country saw significant growth in 2023, with rooftop solar additions totaling 2.6 GW and major projects like Scatec's Kenhardt plants adding substantial capacity.