PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 49 · Public Law · Feb 8, 2016
(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on December 18, 2015. The summary of that version is repeated here.)
Electrify Africa Act of 2015
(Sec. 3) This bill states that it is U.S. policy to partner with the governments of sub-Saharan African countries, international financial institutions, and African regional economic communities, cooperatives, and private sectors to:
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
promote first-time access to power services for at least 50 million people in sub-Saharan Africa by 2020;
encourage the installation of at least 20,000 additional megawatts of electrical power in sub-Saharan Africa by 2020;
promote reliable and affordable power in urban, rural, and under served areas;
encourage necessary reforms to support electricity access projects and market-based power generation and distribution;
promote policies to displace kerosene lighting with other technologies;
promote an energy development strategy for sub-Saharan Africa that includes the use of oil, natural gas, coal, hydroelectric, wind, solar, and geothermal power; and
promote the use of private financing and seek ways to remove barriers to private financing and assistance for projects, including through charitable organizations.
(Sec. 4) The President shall: (1) establish a multiyear strategy to assist countries in sub-Saharan Africa implement national power strategies and develop an appropriate mix of power solutions to provide access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable power in order to reduce poverty and drive economic growth and job creation; and (2) ensure that the strategy remains responsive to local community concerns and technological innovation.
The President may establish an interagency working group to coordinate the activities of U.S. government departments and agencies involved in carrying out the strategy.
(Sec. 5) The U.S. Agency for International Development, the Trade and Development Agency, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, and the Millennium Challenge Corporation are urged to: (1) prioritize efforts and assistance for power projects and markets in sub-Saharan Africa; and (2) partner with other investors and local institutions, including private sector actors, to increase access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable power.
(Sec. 6) The President should use U.S. influence at international bodies to advocate for:
increasing investment in power sector and electrification projects in sub-Saharan Africa,
addressing energy needs of individuals and communities where electricity grid access is impractical or cost-prohibitive,
enhancing private sector coordination, and
assisting sub-Saharan African governments to remove unnecessary regulatory barriers to investment.
(Sec. 7) Within three years the President shall transmit a strategy progress report to Congress which includes information regarding: (1) U.S. programs supporting policy and legislative changes leading to increased power generation and access in sub-Saharan Africa, and (2) power projects receiving U.S. government support.
People & committees
Sen. Corker, Bob [R-TN] · R–TN
Legislative record
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Became Public Law No: 114-121.
Became Public Law No: 114-121.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H396-398)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H396-398)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 2152.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H396-400)
Mr. Royce moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Received in the House.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate with amendments by Unanimous Consent. (text: CR S8863-8865)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with amendments by Unanimous Consent.(text: CR S8863-8865)
The committee amendments agreed to by Unanimous Consent. (text: CR S8861-8863)
Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S8861-8865)
By Senator Corker from Committee on Foreign Relations filed written report. Report No. 114-176.
By Senator Corker from Committee on Foreign Relations filed written report. Report No. 114-176.
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 291.
Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Corker with amendments. Without written report.
Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Corker with amendments. Without written report.
Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with amendments favorably.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Mar 4, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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