Achieving universal electricity access remains one of Africa’s most pressing development goals. About 600-million people on the continent still live without electricity. Mission 300, the World Bank Group and African Development Bank initiative started in 2024, has connected more than 50-million people so far.

Connecting more people is only part of the task. Electricity must also be reliable and affordable, and power systems must be able to support the industries that create jobs, process raw materials further and add value on the continent.

Our cover story, drawing on discussions at the Africa Energy Forum, explores this link. South African Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa and Senegal Energy and Petroleum Minister Dr El Hadji Abdourahmane Diouf argue that expanding access and powering industry are part of the same mission, and that Africa’s energy systems should be planned with both in mind.

That broader thrust runs through this edition. Africa holds significant mineral and energy wealth, yet much of the value is captured elsewhere, through processing, manufacturing and the production of finished goods. Growing global demand for the minerals used in grids, batteries and electric vehicles gives African producers a chance to move beyond mining. For emerging oil and gas producers in Southern Africa, considering how new discoveries can support local industry, power generation and refining, rather than simply adding to exports of unprocessed resources, is the challenge.

Realising these opportunities will depend on infrastructure, investment and reliable, affordable electricity. It also means looking beyond established industries to what could come next.

Transmission is a recurring concern across our pages. More generation is needed, but so are stronger grids, better connections between regional power pools and electricity markets that can attract investment. Kenya, for one, is turning to private capital to build new power lines.

Industrial ambitions must be grounded in commercial reality, backed by the skills and infrastructure that make production competitive and, where national markets are too small, by cooperation between neighbouring countries.

Expanding access remains essential. In the longer term, though, the continent’s success will rest on to what degree its power systems can carry its industries, keep its mineral wealth working at home and turn electricity into jobs.

Mariaan Webb

Editor