Johannesburg, South Africa — Global Citizen hosted its first-ever Global Citizen NOW summit on African soil, closing a year-long campaign that secured major commitments to scale renewable energy across the continent. By the end of the event, leaders announced pledges capable of powering more than 17.5 million homes and delivering 26.8 gigawatts of clean energy by 2030.
The summit brought together government heads, private investors, development banks and grassroots advocates. It concluded with one of the largest collective financing packages ever assembled for Africa’s energy transition.
Europe Steps Up With €15.5 Billion
The European Commission and Team Europe unveiled €15.5 billion in grants, loans, guarantees and equity to support renewable projects across Africa. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the commitment “a surge of opportunity,” pointing to millions who could gain reliable electricity in the coming years.
African Leaders Urge Acceleration
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the continent’s “energy paradox,” noting that Africa has some of the world’s richest renewable resources but still counts nearly 600 million people without electricity. Zambia and the African Development Bank also announced new investments, including Zambia’s Green City and Urban Solar plans, expected to deliver 211 megawatts and create almost 4,000 jobs.
Private Sector Drives Momentum
Several major investors expanded their commitments. Harith General Partners confirmed a push from 1.5 gigawatts to 5 gigawatts in the next five years. Octopus Energy Generation increased its Power Africa fund to 450 million dollars, while CrossBoundary Energy secured 200 million dollars toward a one-billion-dollar renewable project pipeline.
ENERTRAG, Scatec, Sun King and other partners announced new solar, wind and battery storage initiatives that together will reach tens of millions of people across the continent.
Global Health and Innovation Spotlighted
The summit also highlighted global health efforts, aligning with the Global Fund’s 8th replenishment, which raised 11.34 billion dollars to support programs against AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. Entrepreneurs from around the world were honored through the Global Citizen and PayPal Small Business Impact Awards, showcasing innovations in clean energy, sustainability and inclusive products.
A Milestone for the Movement
Hugh Evans, CEO of Global Citizen, said the summit’s commitments will help double Africa’s current renewable capacity. With 1.4 million actions taken by Global Citizen supporters throughout the campaign, the Johannesburg edition marks a significant step in the movement’s expansion and Africa’s clean energy future.
Global Citizen NOW: Johannesburg may be the beginning of a new chapter, but it has already delivered what the continent needs most: momentum, investment and a clear path to a cleaner, more equitable energy future.
