World Bank, Qatar to support electricity supply for 300 million people in Africa

The World Bank Group (WBG) and the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen strategic cooperation to deliver innovative and sustainable development solutions globally, including boosting electricity supply in Sub-Saharan countries.

The deal, signed during the official opening of the World Bank Group’s office in Doha on Sunday, is expected to support the realisation of Qatar National Vision 2030 and enhance the World Bank Group’s engagement with Qatar’s public and private sectors.

The office will also serve as a platform to promote outbound investment into emerging markets across the region and globally.

This partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing innovative financing for development, supporting reconstruction, recovery, and job creation across the Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa, and fragile and conflict-affected areas.

By mobilising public and private sector instruments, the collaboration will focus on unlocking opportunities in priority sectors for long-term resilience, stability, and inclusive growth, including human capital, energy and mining, agribusiness, and digital development.

Complementary capabilities

Under the Memorandum of Understanding, WBG and QFFD intend to explore future collaboration in support of countries aligned with global development priorities, including efforts to expand access to electricity for 300 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa through the M-300 initiative and to improve the livelihoods of up to 250 million smallholder farmers globally through the World Bank Group’s AgriConnect platform.

During the ceremony, Fahad Hamad Al-Sulaiti, Director General at QFFD, stated: “This milestone reflects the State of Qatar’s long-standing commitment to strengthening partnerships with leading international financial institutions and accelerating the implementation of sustainable development programmes, in line with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.”

“Our partnership with the Qatar Fund for Development aligns shared strategic priorities and complementary capabilities to drive job creation—supporting economic opportunity in places where employment is essential to long-term stability,” said Mr. Ajay Banga, World Bank Group President at the event.

This milestone further reinforces Qatar’s position as a global hub for economic and financial cooperation and highlights QFFD’s role as a catalyst for impactful international partnerships that advance equitable and sustainable development.