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EU injects €567 million to transform Africa's energy and ports by 2028

From solar farms in Ghana to high-tech upgrades in Lagos, the EU's bold plan could redefine Africa's trade and energy future. Here's how it works.

The image shows a group of ships on the water with a cloudy sky in the background. At the bottom of...
The image shows a group of ships on the water with a cloudy sky in the background. At the bottom of the image, there is text and a logo that reads "15 NATO and two partner nations demonstrating maritime, anti-subsurface warfare, amphibious, and air defense operations to ensure regional security in the Baltic".

EU injects €567 million to transform Africa's energy and ports by 2028

The European Union has launched two major initiatives to boost Africa's energy and maritime sectors. A €545 million package will expand renewable energy projects across nine countries, while a separate €12 million programme aims to strengthen key ports in West and Central Africa. Both schemes were announced as part of broader efforts to improve regional infrastructure and sustainability.

The €545 million energy investment targets specific projects in each country. Côte d'Ivoire will receive funding for high-voltage power systems, while Cameroon's rural areas will gain better electrification. Somalia's access to affordable renewable energy will increase, and the Republic of Congo will expand solar, wind, and hydropower capacity. Additional funds will support wind and hydro projects in Lesotho, a large-scale solar park in Ghana, rural mini-grids in Madagascar, and low-emission energy transitions in Mozambique.

The second initiative, SCOPE Africa, focuses on nine ports along critical trade routes. These include Lomé in Togo, Douala and Kribi in Cameroon, Praia in Cape Verde, Pointe-Noire in the Republic of Congo, Abidjan in Côte d'Ivoire, Libreville in Gabon, Monrovia in Liberia, Lagos in Nigeria, and Dakar in Senegal. The four-year programme, launched in Lomé, aims to improve compliance with international maritime standards, upgrade emergency response systems, and enhance training for port workers. SCOPE Africa will also foster regional cooperation by strengthening information-sharing platforms and crisis-response networks. The selected ports align with priority corridors identified by the African Union, regional bodies, and the EU's Global Gateway Strategy. The goal is to build resilience, security, and operational efficiency across West and Central Africa's maritime hubs.

The combined €567 million investment marks a significant step in Africa's infrastructure development. Renewable energy projects will increase access to clean power, while port upgrades will enhance trade and security. Both initiatives are set to run over the next four years, with measurable outcomes expected in energy capacity and maritime operations.

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