South Africa has reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with other African nations to drive a just and effective energy transition, emphasizing that solutions must be led by Africans for Africans.
Electricity and Energy Minister Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa delivered this message as the keynote speaker at the Africa Energy Forum 2025, held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre under the theme ‘Africa United’. The forum brings together African leaders, policymakers, and investors to address the continent’s pressing energy challenges.
“Africa’s Energy Transition Must Not Leave Half the Continent Behind”
Ramokgopa stressed the urgent need for continental unity in tackling energy poverty and transitioning to sustainable power sources. He rejected what he called a “false binary between development and decarbonization,” insisting that Africa must not sacrifice industrialization to meet emissions targets set without its input.
“We will not abandon our right to industrialize simply to comply with emissions trajectories that were chartered without us,” he declared.
600 Million Africans Still Without Electricity
Highlighting the severity of the crisis, Ramokgopa noted that 600 million Africans—two out of every five people—still lack electricity access, while nearly a billion rely on toxic fuels for cooking, endangering health and livelihoods.
“Electricity is not a luxury—it is a fundamental human right, the oxygen of economic activity, and the foundation of dignity in the 21st century,” he said.
Despite global progress, Africa risks falling further behind, with projections indicating that 570 million people will remain without power by 2030 if current trends continue.
$25 Billion Annual Investment Needed
To bridge this gap, Ramokgopa emphasized the need for $25 billion in annual investments to electrify 300 million Africans by 2030. He warned that without accelerated action, the continent would represent 85% of the global population lacking electricity access by the end of the decade.
“This is not a crisis of capacity—it is a crisis of will,” he stated, urging stronger collaboration between governments and investors.
Forum Continues Until Friday
The Africa Energy Forum continues until Friday, with discussions expected to focus on financing, renewable energy projects, and policy frameworks to achieve universal energy access while ensuring a fair transition.
South Africa’s stance underscores its leadership in advocating for an inclusive energy future, where development and sustainability go hand in hand—authored by Africans, for Africans.