Latest news with #AfricaEnergyForum2025


Gulf Today
29-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
African leaders' call to meet energy needs
At the Africa Energy Forum 2025 which opened at Cape Town in South Africa, there was a sense of urgency as ministers from many of the countries talked of the need to build infrastructure, integrate the grid and go for renewable energy to reach power to 600 million on the continent who do not have access to it. South Africa's Minister for Electricity Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa called out saying, 'Africa can no longer be seen as a passive recipient of imported solutions. We have the natural resources. The human capital, and the ambition to drive our own energy transition.' African Development Bank President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina spelled the magnitude of the energy challenge that Africa faces. He said, 'Africa requires $90 billion in annual energy investment through 2030. This is achievable if the right partnerships, de-risk investment, and focus on sustainable, inclusive models.' By the end of June 17, EnergyNet managing director Simon Gosling, said, 'This forum is not about promises – it's about delivery. Africa stands at a historic crossroads. What we decide to do together in the days ahead will shape our energy future for generations.' The meetings will continue to achieve their goal. For the year and more, African leaders have been speaking clearly, loudly and even differently from other parts of the world. The African governments and leaders are determined to chart an independent path for the African continent. They have realized that depending on the advanced economies of Europe, America and Asia will not help Africa to solve its problems. The African leaders are now thinking differently and loudly. They realize that Africa has to build its own infrastructure, and that it has to be done through cooperation among different African countries, cutting across national and regional boundaries. It is this emphasis on pan-African approach that strikes the perfect, positive note. Given the political volatility prevailing in many parts of Africa, it might seem unrealistic to talk about pan-African approach. But the truth of the matter is that no country, including the relatively well-off and politically strong South Africa, cannot hope to achieve the economic goals that only a united Africa can hope to achieve. The experiment of European Union (EU) seemed a vague dream when it set out on a small scale in 1956, but it had been built brick by brick by sensible European leaders who were wise enough to realise that national rivalries are of not much use in the face of a modern economy. It will be argued and rightly too that to build something akin to the European Union in Africa would take decades. But it is an important fact that some of the African leaders are showing the statesmanship needed to build something for the future. It is going to be a hard struggle for Africa and its leaders. But what will work for them is the fact that their eyes are set on the common goal of strengthening Africa on the energy front. What is important is the recognition of the goal that Africa's needs can be met only at the continental level. Africa is resource rich continent, and its leaders have recognized that European powers, and now the new market agent of Asia, China, have looked to Africa to tap the natural resources which the African people have not tapped for themselves. They now seem to recognize the fact they Africans will have to help themselves. Can the Africans raise the huge amounts they need to build the infrastructure? They have to because they have no option. African leaders have accepted the fact that they need to plan and act together.


Al-Ahram Weekly
19-06-2025
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
$1.1 billion in transmission deals highlight day 2 of Africa Energy Forum in Cape Town - Energy
Over 6,000 delegates attended the second day of the Africa Energy Forum 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. The forum reinforces Africa's collective determination to achieve universal energy access, accelerate clean energy deployment, and strengthen regional power trade. Under the theme 'Africa United', governments, financiers, developers, innovators, and youth leaders converged to turn dialogue into action through new partnerships, initiatives, and investment pledges. Egyptian energy leader Elsewedy Electric reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Africa's energy future through active participation at the Africa Energy Forum (AEF 2025), hosted at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. The company showcased its integrated portfolio of sustainable energy solutions while engaging with key partners, government stakeholders, and international investors. In a statement, Elsewedy Electric described the Forum as a vital platform for advancing its mission on the continent. "This key industry event is a powerful platform for our leadership and Africa Commercial team to showcase our cutting‑edge sustainable energy solutions. We're excited to build new partnerships, unlock fresh business opportunities, and reaffirm our commitment to powering Africa's energy future." Elsewedy's presence highlighted its growing role as a regional industrial powerhouse, with capabilities spanning solar generation, medium-voltage smart distribution, grid modernisation, and off-grid electrification systems. Through its exhibition stand and a series of high-level meetings, the company presented its technical solutions to support Africa's energy transition and achieve universal electricity access. The company's participation aligns with its broader expansion strategy across the continent, building on recent achievements, including a $150 million financing package secured earlier this year from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), First Abu Dhabi Bank, and Europe Arab Bank. This funding supports Elsewedy's clean energy and industrial projects, which are expected to contribute significantly to emissions reductions and the region's decarbonisation agenda. One of the day's key outcomes was the launch of Mission 300 by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the World Bank, aiming to provide electricity to 300 million people by 2030, starting with 50 million new connections in its initial phase. AfDB President Dr Akinwumi Adesina declared: 'No economy can grow, industrialize, or be competitive in the dark.' Dr Kevin Kariuki, AfDB Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate Change and Green Growth, added: 'Mission 300 is Africa's most ambitious and coordinated effort to deliver universal energy access at scale. It will only succeed through new capital, partners, and solutions.' Accompanying this, AfDB signed a $400 million blended finance agreement with a consortium of private investors and development agencies to support mini-grid and off-grid solutions in underserved rural regions, prioritising projects in Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and Chad. The bank also formalised a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the African Trade Insurance Agency (ATI) to provide political risk insurance for renewable energy investments tied to Mission 300. The forum also witnessed the signing of a cross-border transmission financing deal valued at $1.1 billion between the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP), Standard Bank, and the European Investment Bank. This agreement aims to fast-track the development of the Mozambique-Malawi-Zambia transmission corridor, a key element of the African Single Electricity Market (AfSEM). The deal was unveiled during the session, where European and African leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deeper regional integration. Adam Cortese, CEO of Sun Africa, stated: 'The future of African power infrastructure starts with Sun Africa, and the conversation about Africa's energy future continues at the Africa Energy Forum. We are proud to be the Forum Sponsor of an event that will unite visionaries and people across the continent.' Technology providers also sealed several essential partnerships. Trinasolar, in unveiling its Vertex N 630W ultra-durable module, announced a framework agreement with Eskomto pilot 100 MW of integrated solar-plus-storage systems in South Africa's Northern Cape. Vincent Wu, Trinasolar's Vice President for the Middle East and Africa, noted: 'Our Vertex N 630W module and storage systems bring real resilience to African energy grids facing extreme climate realities.' In parallel, Relyez inked a supply and maintenance contract with Kenya Power to deploy modular battery energy storage systems to stabilise grid operations in Nairobi and Mombasa. Green investment commitments continued to build momentum with the launch of the Octopus Energy Power Africa (OEPA) Fund, aimed at raising $250 million for clean energy over three years. Zoisa North-Bond, CEO of Octopus Energy Generation, said: 'Africa is abundant with clean energy potential – enough to build the next-generation renewable powerhouse and a greener, fairer future fuelled by sunshine and wind.' The fund's initial $60 million will target solar and wind projects in Kenya, Senegal, and Ghana, emphasizing local job creation. Youth and community engagement remained central. The Youth Energy Summit (YES!) attracted over 4,000 young professionals, students, and entrepreneurs who participated in masterclasses, pitch competitions, and direct dialogues with investors. Adam Cortese highlighted the importance of youth inclusion, reiterating that the forum would 'unite visionaries and unite people from across the continent.' The day concluded with the Africa Challenge Cup at DHL Stadium, where mixed teams of delegates, sponsors, and local players participated in a friendly football tournament, embodying the spirit of unity and informal collaboration. Day 2 of AEF 2025 showcased the power of partnerships, financial innovation, and technological advancement to drive Africa's energy transformation. The forum is now in its third day and will focus on green finance, sustainable utility reform, and advancing regional trade frameworks. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:


Al-Ahram Weekly
17-06-2025
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Africa Energy Forum 2025 opens with urgent calls for united action on power access - Energy
The Africa Energy Forum 2025 opened today at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, bringing together over 6,000 delegates to address the continent's energy challenges under the theme Africa United: Powering Our Common Future. Government officials, industry leaders, and financiers focused on expanding access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy. South Africa's Minister of Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, urged Africa to take control of its energy transition. 'Africa can no longer be seen as a passive recipient of imported solutions. We have the natural resources, the human capital, and the ambition to drive our own energy transition,' he said. He called for urgent investment in grid infrastructure, regional integration, and renewables to close the access gap for 600 million people. Nigeria's Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, echoed the need for scale and coordination. 'We must think big, act boldly, and work together. Regional power markets, harmonised regulations, and major infrastructure projects are the only way we can provide energy security and drive industrialisation across the continent,' he said. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu addressed the forum via video, announcing reforms to cut energy project costs by up to 40 percent through faster permitting and regulation. He said Nigeria had secured more than $8 billion in energy investments over the past year. 'This shows that with the right policies, Africa can mobilise the resources it needs. Let us match words with action.' Former Ghanaian president John Dramani Mahama stressed inclusivity. 'Energy plans must serve our rural communities, not just our capitals. They must empower our youth, not just our corporations,' he said, calling for support for community-based and small energy enterprises. African Development Bank president Dr Akinwumi Adesina highlighted the scale of financing required. 'Africa requires at least $90 billion in annual energy investment through 2030. This is achievable if we build the right partnerships, de-risk investments, and focus on sustainable, inclusive models,' Adesina said. Delegates shared success stories, including cross-border transmission lines, utility-scale renewables, and battery storage, which improved grid reliability. Cape Town was praised for local innovation, such as rooftop solar incentives, battery installations, and pumped hydro plans. The Youth Energy Summit drew over 4,000 young professionals, students, and entrepreneurs for pitches, mentoring, and networking—giving the next generation a voice in shaping Africa's energy future. In the deal-making zone, agreements were signed for a 300MW wind farm joint venture, expanded mini-grid partnerships in East Africa, and new battery storage investments in North Africa. Investors expressed optimism, contingent on continued regulatory reforms. Closing Day 1, EnergyNet managing director Simon Gosling said: 'This forum is not about promises — it's about delivery. Africa stands at a historic crossroads. What we decide to do together in the days ahead will shape our energy future for generations.' The forum continues through the week with sessions on energy finance, regulation, regional markets, green hydrogen, and emerging technologies. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link: