As the African continent accelerates infrastructure rollout to meet universal energy access targets, the private sector is playing a growing role in developing and financing large-scale power projects. According to U.S. think tank Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, global private sector entities have invested $148.6 billion in power infrastructure developments across Africa between 2012 and 2021. Below are the top five, private sector-led projects currently shaping Africa’s energy supply and future security.
AMAN Green Hydrogen Project – Mauritania
Financed and developed by renewable energy firm CWP Global, the $40-billion AMAN Green Hydrogen Project aims to develop 30 GW of green hydrogen capacity in Mauritania. The initiative will leverage power from wind (15 GW) and solar (15 GW) energy facilities. The first phase of the project will produce 500,000 tons of green hydrogen, which will expand to 1.7 million tons upon the project’s completion. The initiative is set to strengthen Mauritania’s energy supply, while positioning the country as a key exporter to international markets.
El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant – Egypt
Set to meet 10% of Egypt’s electricity needs and provide stable, baseload power to 20 million people, the $30-billion, 4.8 GW El Dabaa nuclear facility is the country’s first nuclear generating plant. Last January, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi announced the start of construction of the fourth generating unit at the facility. Developed in collaboration with Russian state nuclear company Rosatom, the project has secured 85% of its funding from Rosatom and its lenders, including the Russian Government and private banks. The Egyptian Government is raising the remaining 15% from private institutions within the country. Commissioning of the first unit is expected in 2026.
Infinity Conjuncta Project – Mauritania
The Infinity Conjuncta green hydrogen project in Mauritania represents one of Africa’s most ambitious, private sector-led power initiatives. Financed by Egyptian energy company Infinity Power and German energy development company Conjuncta, the $34-billion project plans to generate 10 GW of clean energy. With the installation of a 400 MW electrolyzer in the first phase by 2028, the project will create up to 3,000 jobs during the construction phase and an additional 1,000 jobs during operation. Power from the project will be converted to produce 80 million tons of green hydrogen for local, regional and European markets.
Masdar’s 10 GW Wind Facility – Egypt
Renewables firm Masdar, Infinity Power and investment company Hassan Allam Utilities are developing a 10 GW wind energy farm in Egypt. Representing a $10-billion investment, the initiative aims to enhance Egypt’s grid resilience and contribute to Egypt’s target of producing 42% of its electricity from renewables by 2030. Expected to produce over 47 GWh of energy annually, the project will rank as Africa’s largest wind energy facility once completed.
Nachtigal Hydropower Project – Cameroon
Cameroon’s Nachtigal Hydropower Project – financed by French utility Electricité de France, the International Finance Corporation, impact investor Stoa, and USAID’s Power Africa initiative – represents one of Africa’s most significant private sector-funded power projects. With a total investment of $1.43 billion, the 420 MW project is set to increase Cameroon’s electricity production by 10%. Construction of the project started in 2019 and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2024.
