A unique opportunity for African collaboration

IN THE rural village of Gwanda, Zimbabwe, a mother walks several kilometres each day to find firewood so she can cook for her children. She's never had access to reliable electricity, and her story is not unique. Across Africa, 600 million people still live without energy access - a fact that affects every aspect of their lives.

- GREG NOTT

The former United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, summarised Africa's biggest challenge when he said: "Energy is the golden thread that connects economic growth, increased social equity, and an environment that allows the world to thrive". Without electricity, communities cannot run clinics, power schools, or create jobs - all of which are fundamental to dignity and development.

That is why I attended the Africa Energy Forum in Cape Town recently, a milestone that marked the first time in the event's 27-year history that it was hosted in South Africa. This year’s theme, "Africa United", could not be more fitting.

As the global investment meeting for Africa’s power, energy, infrastructure and industrial sectors, it was attended by stakeholders who hold the key to accelerating energy access - African presidents, ministers, policymakers, continental executives, the World Bank, African Development Bank and DFIs.

With South Africa chairing the G20 this year, the continent must use the momentum of the Africa Energy Forum (AEF) and the G20 Summit to amplify a cohesive African voice in global energy governance. As geopolitical instability rises, with trade wars and fractured alliances, it's more urgent than ever to ask: Can Africa present a united energy agenda? And can it do so on its terms?