Also speaking at this year’s Africa Energy Indaba, Minister of Electricity and Energy Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa highlighted the importance of energy and energy security as the bedrock of economic possibility.
Speaking at Africa Energy Indaba 2026, Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa emphasised the centrality of electricity as an enabler in economic growth.
“Energy is not an isolated sector. It is the foundation of growth, the enabler of trade, the engine of industrial development and a guarantor of dignity for South Africa and for the continent,” the minister said.
The indaba was held over three days last week at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
Ramokgopa noted that the continent is facing the duality of the need for development and the global push for decarbonisation of economies. To navigate this, the minister said the journey towards cleaner energy must be intrinsically linked to the lived realities of Africa’s citizens.
“The energy transition must be developmental. It must expand access, strengthen resilience, unlock investment and accelerate industrialisation.
“It must also advance continental integration through interconnection, competitive markets and coordinated planning,” he said.
Ramokgopa highlighted that these goals are set out in continental roadmaps. “They are central to Africa’s Agenda 2063. They are embedded in the African Single Electricity Market. They are reflected in the Ten-Year Africa Energy Infrastructure Investment Plan for cross border interconnectivity and they are reinforced by initiatives such as Mission 300 which seeks to accelerate access at scale,” the minister said.
He emphasised that the success of these African-led plans hinges on more than financial modelling and technical specifications as it also requires a shift in political will and governance.
“Achieving these ambitious plans requires political leadership at the highest level. It requires clarity of direction. And it requires institutional reform, investment confidence and above all, firm commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth,” he said.
The minister noted that as the global order evolves, the voice of the continent is beginning to be heard in rooms where previously it was silent.
“South Africa is privileged to host this gathering at a time when our continent’s voice in global forums continues to strengthen. The African Union’s permanent membership in the G20 has reinforced the centrality of Africa in global economic governance.
“Our collective priorities around energy security, energy development and just transitions are now firmly on the global agenda,” Ramokgopa said.
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