Latest news with #AfricaUnited
The Star
06-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Africa Energy Forum presents a unique opportunity for African collaboration
In the rural village of Gwanda, Zimbabwe, a mother walks several kilometres each day to find firewood so she can cook for her children. She's never had access to reliable electricity, and her story is not unique. Across Africa, 600 million people still live without energy access – a fact that affects every aspect of their lives. The former United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, summarised Africa's biggest challenge when he said: 'Energy is the golden thread that connects economic growth, increased social equity, and an environment that allows the world to thrive'. Without electricity, communities cannot run clinics, power schools, or create jobs – all of which are fundamental to dignity and development. That is why I attended the Africa Energy Forum in Cape Town recently, a milestone that marked the first time in the event's 27-year history that it was hosted in South Africa. This year's theme, 'Africa United', could not be more fitting. As the global investment meeting for Africa's power, energy, infrastructure and industrial sectors, it was attended by stakeholders who hold the key to accelerating energy access - African presidents, ministers, policymakers, continental executives, the World Bank, African Development Bank and DFIs. With South Africa chairing the G20 this year, the continent must use the momentum of the Africa Energy Forum (AEF) and the G20 Summit to amplify a cohesive African voice in global energy governance. As geopolitical instability rises, with trade wars and fractured alliances, it's more urgent than ever to ask: Can Africa present a united energy agenda? And can it do so on its terms? To seize this opportunity, Africa must first agree on a set of shared energy priorities. These must include scaling up renewable resources like solar, wind and hydro, where the continent has a competitive advantage, while also affirming the sovereign right to include coal, gas and nuclear in the energy mix where needed. This is not a contradiction, but a necessity. Industrialised countries built their economies using all available energy sources. Africa must be afforded the same space to grow. Some of the critical arguments at this year's event will be around balancing the need for energy access and economic development with plotting a sustainable energy future that includes an abundance of Africa's renewable energy resources. Favourable terms for the financing of African energy projects will also be another important topic of debate. Although there are hundreds of initiatives to ensure the achievement of universal energy access on the continent, more than half the continent still lacks access to modern energy, which is why African energy stakeholders believe that amid the drive for reducing carbon emissions, Africa should have a sovereign right to include coal, gas and nuclear as part of its energy mix in line with how developed nations built their economies. What will the US role be in Africa's energy future? The first Power Africa Summit was launched by former US President Barack Obama in June 2013 as a private sector-led initiative with the ambitious goal of doubling electricity access on the continent. Through USAID, 12 US government agencies implemented Power Africa activities by providing financing and technical assistance to support the power sector in 40 African countries. Though different US administrations advised countries on electricity access for years, Power Africa's approach was different in that it took a demand-driven, transactional approach by reviewing actual transactions between private-sector players like investors, entrepreneurs, and manufacturers, and with governments and then identified obstacles that were preventing transactions from moving forward. A large reason for the success of Power Africa in the past was the power of diplomacy to level the playing field for U.S. investments in the energy sector. US President Trump and his administration announced that Power Africa would be dismantled, after more than a decade of successful work on the continent. With almost all of Power Africa's programmes listed for termination, the diminishing role of the US in Africa's energy sector opens opportunities for new alliances and greater intra-African collaboration. Energy financing must be favourable The challenge for Africa is that it needs to industrialise and electrify its economy, but at the same time, it needs the finances to do so in a sustainable way. Africa has also been most severely affected by climate change, and so its infrastructure development needs to be climate-resilient. Most African nations don't need an energy transition, but energy accessibility. Many African countries are grappling with rising inflation, which has also impacted the amount of developmental finance available to African nations. But America may want to maintain its presence and footprint in Africa's energy sector, especially as China seeks to play a leading role in the continent's infrastructure development. Despite the challenging global environment, Africa needs its member states and voices to unite with a collective vision to fund Africa's energy revolution with international financing mechanisms that are just. After all, Africa is responsible for less than 3% of the world's carbon emissions and home to massive, unlocked energy potential, while also being home to 1.2 billion youth aged between 15 to 24 years that account for 16% of the global population (according to the UN). Greg Nott is Director Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa Inc
IOL News
06-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Africa Energy Forum presents a unique opportunity for African collaboration
In the rural village of Gwanda, Zimbabwe, a mother walks several kilometres each day to find firewood so she can cook for her children. She's never had access to reliable electricity, and her story is not unique. Across Africa, 600 million people still live without energy access – a fact that affects every aspect of their lives. The former United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, summarised Africa's biggest challenge when he said: 'Energy is the golden thread that connects economic growth, increased social equity, and an environment that allows the world to thrive'. Without electricity, communities cannot run clinics, power schools, or create jobs – all of which are fundamental to dignity and development. That is why I attended the Africa Energy Forum in Cape Town recently, a milestone that marked the first time in the event's 27-year history that it was hosted in South Africa. This year's theme, 'Africa United', could not be more fitting. As the global investment meeting for Africa's power, energy, infrastructure and industrial sectors, it was attended by stakeholders who hold the key to accelerating energy access - African presidents, ministers, policymakers, continental executives, the World Bank, African Development Bank and DFIs. With South Africa chairing the G20 this year, the continent must use the momentum of the Africa Energy Forum (AEF) and the G20 Summit to amplify a cohesive African voice in global energy governance. As geopolitical instability rises, with trade wars and fractured alliances, it's more urgent than ever to ask: Can Africa present a united energy agenda? And can it do so on its terms? To seize this opportunity, Africa must first agree on a set of shared energy priorities. These must include scaling up renewable resources like solar, wind and hydro, where the continent has a competitive advantage, while also affirming the sovereign right to include coal, gas and nuclear in the energy mix where needed. This is not a contradiction, but a necessity. Industrialised countries built their economies using all available energy sources. Africa must be afforded the same space to grow. Some of the critical arguments at this year's event will be around balancing the need for energy access and economic development with plotting a sustainable energy future that includes an abundance of Africa's renewable energy resources. Favourable terms for the financing of African energy projects will also be another important topic of debate. Although there are hundreds of initiatives to ensure the achievement of universal energy access on the continent, more than half the continent still lacks access to modern energy, which is why African energy stakeholders believe that amid the drive for reducing carbon emissions, Africa should have a sovereign right to include coal, gas and nuclear as part of its energy mix in line with how developed nations built their economies. What will the US role be in Africa's energy future? The first Power Africa Summit was launched by former US President Barack Obama in June 2013 as a private sector-led initiative with the ambitious goal of doubling electricity access on the continent. Through USAID, 12 US government agencies implemented Power Africa activities by providing financing and technical assistance to support the power sector in 40 African countries. Though different US administrations advised countries on electricity access for years, Power Africa's approach was different in that it took a demand-driven, transactional approach by reviewing actual transactions between private-sector players like investors, entrepreneurs, and manufacturers, and with governments and then identified obstacles that were preventing transactions from moving forward. A large reason for the success of Power Africa in the past was the power of diplomacy to level the playing field for U.S. investments in the energy sector. US President Trump and his administration announced that Power Africa would be dismantled, after more than a decade of successful work on the continent. With almost all of Power Africa's programmes listed for termination, the diminishing role of the US in Africa's energy sector opens opportunities for new alliances and greater intra-African collaboration. Energy financing must be favourable The challenge for Africa is that it needs to industrialise and electrify its economy, but at the same time, it needs the finances to do so in a sustainable way. Africa has also been most severely affected by climate change, and so its infrastructure development needs to be climate-resilient. Most African nations don't need an energy transition, but energy accessibility. Many African countries are grappling with rising inflation, which has also impacted the amount of developmental finance available to African nations. But America may want to maintain its presence and footprint in Africa's energy sector, especially as China seeks to play a leading role in the continent's infrastructure development. Despite the challenging global environment, Africa needs its member states and voices to unite with a collective vision to fund Africa's energy revolution with international financing mechanisms that are just. After all, Africa is responsible for less than 3% of the world's carbon emissions and home to massive, unlocked energy potential, while also being home to 1.2 billion youth aged between 15 to 24 years that account for 16% of the global population (according to the UN). Greg Nott is Director Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa Inc
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:
