Presenting the Presidential keynote address at the Africa Energy Indaba in Cape Town last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa said Africa has what it needs to succeed. He called on participants to use the platform to unite: “This indaba is an opportunity to harness our collective efforts towards realising an Africa that meets its needs for reliable and cost-effective energy, while becoming a competitive exporter of energy in a rapidly changing global market.”
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the Presidential keynote address – a highlight of Africa Energy Indaba 2026.
[Source: Africa Energy Indaba]
The annual indaba, held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, brings together the continent’s energy leaders, policymakers, investors and development partners to advance energy security, regional integration and investment across the continent.
“There has never been a better time for Africa to advance its energy security, resilience and sustainability. With its abundant natural resources, our continent holds immense potential for energy generation,” the president said.
He noted the continent’s oil and gas reserves, an abundance of minerals and potential for solar, wind, hydroelectric and hydrogen fuel cell energy. Yet millions of people in Africa live without access to electricity. This translates into “lost production, interrupted services, constrained investment and reduced opportunity” the president said.
“This energy gap exists in the context of a growing continental population, rising urbanisation and renewed efforts to industrialise and integrate into the global economy. In this environment, access to reliable electricity is a competitive differentiator.
“Industrialisation cannot take place without secure supply chains, resilient villages, towns and cities, and reliable, affordable and scalable energy,” he said.
Africa needs a connected energy system – one that enables our economies to grow, together.
He referred to the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which links the continent’s development to modern infrastructure and integrated energy systems. To operationalise this agenda, the president highlighted the Ten-Year Africa Energy Infrastructure Investment Plan, which was inaugurated under South Africa’s G20 Presidency.
“The plan recognises that Africa’s energy needs are too large to be met by incremental projects.
“We need a coherent pipeline of bankable investments, supported by credible institutions, predictable regulation and partnerships,” Ramaphosa said.
He noted that although public finance cannot fund the full scale of Africa’s infrastructure needs, it can play a catalytic role in project preparation, enhancing credit and reducing risk.
“The significance of the Ten-Year Africa Energy Infrastructure Investment Plan is that it will serve to organise the pipeline of projects in a manner that is credible to financiers and valuable to economies,” Ramaphosa said.
In the global context
Reflecting on current global developments, the president acknowledged the volatility in global energy markets. Africa is already facing the impact of escalating conflict in the Middle East which has led to strains on supply chains and higher energy prices.
“As we have seen with Russia-Ukraine and during the Covid-19 pandemic, shifting geopolitical sands underscore the vulnerabilities of import-dependent economies across Africa. These vulnerabilities sharpen the case for strengthening regional and continental energy security and diversification. The Africa Energy Indaba is timely. It is an opportunity to position our continent in a rapidly changing geopolitical context,” he said.
Ramaphosa expressed his confidence in the continent’s ability to deliver for its people.
“Africa has what it needs to succeed. It has resources. It has people. It has growing institutions and expanding cooperation. The remaining task is to match this potential with sustained implementation, to translate plans into projects, and to turn projects into reliable power that supports industry, jobs and dignity.
“The present moment calls for unity of effort. I am confident that this indaba will help strengthen cooperation, accelerate investment and contribute to building energy systems worthy of Africa’s promising future,” President Ramaphosa concluded.
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