West and Central Africa is a culturally rich region and home to one of the world’s youngest populations. More than 60% of the population is under the age of 25. However, many young people have left rural communities for cities or abroad in search of employment opportunities.

The World Bank’s Renewable Energy Initiative

The World Bank Group aims to address some of these challenges through a new renewable energy initiative. On June 22, 2026, the World Bank approved a $200 million financing package to expand access to renewable energy in West and Central Africa. Benin, the Central African Republic, Liberia and Sierra Leone are included in the first phase of the Regional Program for Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Solutions (Regional DARES). That program totals $853 million.

The Regional DARES project seeks to provide reliable, affordable and clean electricity in underserved rural and remote communities through small-scale renewable energy systems. Increased access to renewable energy has the potential to stimulate economic growth and create jobs across West and Central Africa. The project is expected to generate employment opportunities in the energy sector, including installation, maintenance and agricultural support services. As electricity access expands, new economic opportunities for women and young people are also anticipated.

The program aims to help communities improve their quality of life while supporting long-term economic growth and poverty reduction. By bringing multiple countries together under one program, the World Bank intends to attract private investment and expand electricity access in underserved communities throughout the region.

Impact on Health and Education

The project will provide electricity to households, businesses, schools and health care centers. Frequent power outages can limit economic growth and create serious risks for communities that depend on reliable electricity. Health care centers that lack access to electricity rely on generators. This causes problems for vaccine storage and safe deliveries. Distrust in health care systems may increase as providers operate under unsafe conditions. A project manager in Kano said consistent power is “the backbone of effective primary health care.” The solarization efforts underway in the region, they added, represent a strategic investment in keeping lifesaving services running.

Education is another area that may benefit from expanded renewable energy access. A systematic review found that the electrification of schools can support meal programs, improve learning conditions and encourage regular attendance. This ultimately enhances academic performance. With 32% of African school-aged children living near unelectrified schools, expanded energy access could help improve educational outcomes and support long-term economic development.

Contributing to Mission 300

Over time, the program is expected to contribute to Mission 300. That joint initiative by the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank aims to connect 300 million people in Africa to electricity by 2030. Renewable energy in West and Central Africa is on the rise to lower the electricity gap, supporting communities across the four countries. Through job creation, agricultural development, improved health care services and expanded educational opportunities, Regional DARES has the potential to improve quality of life and support long-term economic growth. As renewable energy in West and Central Africa continues to expand, it may help build a more prosperous future for millions of people across the region.

– Alexandra Pedroza

Alexandra is based in Salt Lake City, UT, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

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