For years, Power Africa was hailed as a game-changer—a bold U.S. initiative designed to bring electricity to millions across the continent.
When it launched in 2013, the programme promised to light up homes, power industries, and unlock Africa’s economic potential.
Now, more than a decade later, the lights have dimmed on Power Africa itself.
The U.S. government has quietly discontinued the initiative, raising questions about its legacy.
Did it truly electrify Africa, or was it just another ambitious vision that failed to materialise?
Power Africa
In 2013, the U.S. launched Power Africa, investing $7 billion under President Obama to generate 30,000 MW of renewable energy for underserved African communities.
By collaborating with African governments, private firms, and development banks, the programme aimed to transform the continent’s energy landscape.
A Bold Energy Vision
Although originally designed as a five-year project, officials later extended it, securing additional backing from the African Development Bank and private investors like General Electric and Symbion Power.
By 2015, the Obama administration announced that private sector commitments had exceeded $20 billion, and in 2016, the Electrify Africa Act further strengthened the initiative’s framework.
Missed Targets
However, Power Africa consistently fell short of its targets.
While GE delivered 600 MW in Ghana and Power Africa facilitated 672 MW in Tanzania, numerous projects stalled.
Facing regulatory challenges, Husk Power abandoned its Tanzanian operations and redirected its efforts toward Nigeria and the DRC.
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Meanwhile, the initiative’s $75 million technical assistance programme in Nigeria marked one of its final contributions.
Inflated Success Claims
In 2019, the U.S. Inspector General exposed data inconsistencies, revealing that Power Africa frequently inflated its achievements.
Instead of meaningful grid connections, the majority of the reported 10.6 million new electricity connections consisted of handheld solar lanterns.
A Divisive Legacy
As Power Africa officially ends, perspectives remain divided.
Critics, including NJ Ayuk of the African Energy Chamber, condemn the programme for mismanagement and unfulfilled promises.
While the initiative helped spotlight Africa’s energy crisis, its closure forces the continent to seek more effective, homegrown energy solutions rather than relying on foreign aid.
