President Tinubu Departs for Africa Heads of State Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu departed Abuja today, January 26, 2025, for Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to attend the Africa Heads of State Energy Summit scheduled for January 27-28. The summit, hosted by the Tanzanian government in collaboration with the African Development Bank Group and the World Bank, is centered on advancing "Mission 300," an initiative aimed at providing electricity access to 300 million Africans by 2030.
In a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, he emphasized the summit’s significance as a platform for African leaders, private sector stakeholders, development partners, and civil society organizations to address the continent’s energy challenges. “This summit will focus on accelerating energy access in underserved regions, promoting renewable energy adoption, improving energy efficiency, and mobilizing private sector investment for sustainable energy development,” Onanuga stated.
The two-day event will begin with ministerial-level discussions where participating nations, including Nigeria, will present their national energy strategies—referred to as "energy compacts"—detailing their plans to achieve universal energy access within five years. On the second day, Heads of State will endorse the Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration, which outlines a unified roadmap for achieving Mission 300’s objectives.
President Tinubu is expected to deliver a national statement during the summit. According to Onanuga, “The President will reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to achieving universal access to energy and highlight its leadership role in Africa’s energy sector.” Tinubu will also showcase Nigeria’s clean energy initiatives and integrated energy strategy aimed at driving sustainable development across the continent.
Accompanying him are key officials, including Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu (Minister of State for Foreign Affairs), Adebayo Adelabu (Minister of Power), and Olu Verheijen (Special Adviser on Energy). President Tinubu is expected back in Abuja after the summit concludes.
