South Africa advocates for new energy transition strategies at G20 meeting

ELECTRICITY and Energy Minister Kgosientso Ramokgopa has put forth a bold proposal aimed at rethinking the global approach to energy finance.

- BANELE GININDZA

Speaking on the G20 Transition Working Group, Ramokgopa urged the Summit to consider practical frameworks for concessional financing, de-risking energy infrastructure, and unlocking transmission grids—all crucial enablers for fostering inclusive growth across the globe.

Speaking at the second day of the G20 Electricity Energy Summit in Cape Town, which focused on global energy efficiency strategies and affordability challenges, Ramokgopa said these were not abstract goals but preconditions for energy justice.

Ramokgopa said the G20 countries were the next frontier of opportunity, representing more than 85% of global GDP and nearly 80% of global emissions, which brought responsibility, not only to immediate constituencies, but to the billions of people whose fates were shaped by the decisions.

"The G20 cannot afford to be a forum in Asia or entropy. As an African country, we also speak with the confidence of a continent that is not seeking charity, but partnership," he said.

"Africa has the youngest population, the greatest solar potential, and the fastest growing demand for energy services. We are not the last frontier for development.