Africa must work together to solve energy challenge: Ramokgopa

South Africa will continue to work with other African countries in its efforts to achieve an effective energy transition.

This was highlighted by the Minister of Electricity and Energy Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa in Cape Town.

The Minister was the keynote speaker at the official opening of the Africa Energy Forum at the Cape Town International Convention Center.

The theme for the 2025 gathering is ‘Africa United’.

Ramokgopa says there is an urgent need for the African continent to work together in trying to solve the energy challenges, including electricity.

“We will continue to work with the AU, African member states, the development partners to drive a programmatic response and financing instruments to address these structural challenges. Let us begin with the most elementary tool. Electricity is not a luxury. It is a fundamental basic human right.”

“It is an oxygen of economic activity, and the life blood of industrialisation and the founding of dignity in the 21st century. Yet today 600 million of our brothers remain in the dark,” adds Ramokgopa.

The Minister says there is a need to develop an energy transition that is inclusive based on the socio-economic conditions of the people of the African continent.

Ramokgopa told delegates that it’s time for Africa to be able to create its own energy solutions instead of relying on developed countries.

“We must pursue energy transition pathways that reflects our national and continental context and development priorities. Any transition must be just, inclusive and grounded in the realities of our socio-economic landscape.”

“It must enable industrialisation and support job creation and ensure food security and energy security and align with the broader objectives of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This is not a choice between climate ambitions and development goals, this is both,” explains Ramokgopa.