Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has highlighted the importance of energy security, insisting that electricity is far more than a utility, it is the bedrock of human dignity and economic possibility.
“Energy is not an isolated sector. It is the foundation of growth, the enabler of trade, the engine of industrial development and the guarantor of dignity for South Africa and for the continent as a whole,” the Minister said, speaking at the Africa Energy Indaba.
The three-day indaba is being held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre this week.
Ramokgopa’s remarks come at a critical time as the continent grapples with the dual need for development on one hand and the global push for decarbonisation of economies on the other.
To navigate this, the Minister insisted that the journey toward cleaner energy must be intrinsically linked to the lived realities of African 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 insisted.
Ramokgopa highlighted that these goals are not “abstract aspirations” but 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 added that the success of these African-led plans hinges on more than just financial modelling or technical specifications as it also requires a shift in political will and governance.
“[Achieving] these ambitious figures requires political leadership at the highest level. It requires clarity of direction.
“It requires institutional reform. It requires investment confidence and above all, it requires firm commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth,” he said.
The Minister reflected that as the global order evolves, the voice of the continent is beginning to be heard in rooms where it was previously 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 the global economic governance.
“Our collective priorities around energy security, energy development and just transitions are now firmly on the global agenda,” Ramokgopa said. – SAnews.gov.za
