Post COP26 Priorities: Supporting Africa’s Clean Energy Transitions

When global leaders and key stakeholders gathered in Glasgow for COP26 last November, many highlighted Africa’s important and growing role in the dialogue on energy and climate. The continent currently accounts for one sixth of the world’s population but it only represents 5,8% of global energy consumption. Africa’s rapidly rising population, industrialization and economic growth are driving its emergence as a key player in the world’s energy markets. To facilitate the expansion of the continent’s energy sector to provide universal access and meet demand, critical decisions will need to be taken to facilitate the necessary financing and investment in clean technologies and infrastructure. One area of enormous opportunity is renewable energy, due to Africa’s geographical position and to technological progress globally. With strong support from member countries, the IEA has ramped up its activities in Africa, and is working to support countries with their clean energy transitions. 

This event will be chaired by Minister Van der Straeten from Belgium and will explore how African governments, industry and multilateral organisations can work together to secure adequate investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technologies to meet the continent’s increasing energy demand and to achieve the goal of universal energy access.

Perspectives from Africa and Industry

• Leila R. Benali, Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Kingdom of Morocco
• Nobuhle Nkabane (MP), Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, South Africa
• Tarek El-Molla, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Egypt
• Oliver Mwenze Mukaleng, Minister of Water Resources and Electricity, Democratic Republic of Congo
• Alexander Saverys, Chief Executive Officer, Compagnie Maritime Belge
• Liliane M. Ndabaneze Chabuka, Co-founder and CEO, WidEnergy Africa

Wrap-up

• Tinne Van der Straeten, IEA Ministerial Vice Chair and Minister of Energy, Belgium