“Africa has what it needs to succeed”- President Ramaphosa

Speaking at the Africa Energy Indaba in Cape Town, President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered a powerful message of optimism and urgency, declaring that the continent possesses the resources, talent and institutional strength required to secure its energy future.

Held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, the annual Africa Energy Indaba brings together energy leaders, policymakers, investors and development partners to address Africa’s most pressing energy challenges and opportunities. The platform focuses on strengthening energy security, boosting regional integration and accelerating investment across the continent’s energy sector.

President Ramaphosa emphasised that the gathering represents more than just a policy dialogue. It is an opportunity for Africa to align its ambitions and act collectively to deliver reliable and affordable energy for its people.

“This indaba is an opportunity to harness our collective efforts towards realising an Africa that meets its needs for reliable and cost-effective energy, while becoming a competitive exporter of energy in a rapidly changing global market.

“There has never been a better time for Africa to advance its energy security, resilience and sustainability. With its abundant natural resources, our continent holds immense potential for energy generation,” the President said.

Unlocking Africa’s Natural Energy Advantage

Africa possesses a remarkable range of energy resources. The continent is rich in oil and gas reserves, critical minerals and renewable energy potential, including solar, wind, hydroelectric and hydrogen fuel cell energy.

Despite these advantages, millions of Africans still live without reliable electricity. According to the International Energy Agency, approximately 600 million people across the continent lack access to power, creating barriers to economic growth and industrial development.

President Ramaphosa explained that the consequences of this energy deficit extend far beyond electricity shortages.

“This energy gap exists in the context of a growing continental population, rising urbanisation and renewed efforts to industrialise and integrate into the global economy. In this environment, access to reliable electricity is a competitive differentiator.

“Industrialisation cannot take place without secure supply chains, resilient villages, towns and cities, and reliable, affordable and scalable energy,” he said.

To close this gap, the President highlighted the need for an interconnected energy system that strengthens collaboration between African economies.

He proposed an integrated approach that links national energy systems across the continent, enabling countries to share resources and support each other’s economic growth.

Building a Pipeline of Energy Investment

Ramaphosa pointed to the African Union’s Agenda 2063 as a central framework guiding the continent’s long-term development, with modern infrastructure and integrated energy systems forming a core part of that vision.

A key step toward achieving this goal is the Ten-Year Africa Energy Infrastructure Investment Plan, which was launched under South Africa’s G20 Presidency.

“The plan recognises that Africa’s energy needs are too large to be met by incremental projects.

“There needs to be a coherent pipeline of bankable investments, supported by credible institutions, predictable regulation and partnerships,” President Ramaphosa said.

He noted that while governments cannot fund all infrastructure development on their own, public finance can play an important role in unlocking private sector investment.

“Public finance cannot fund the full scale of Africa’s infrastructure needs alone…it can play a catalytic role in project preparation, credit enhancement and risk reduction”.

“The significance of the Ten-Year Africa Energy Infrastructure Investment Plan lies in its ability to organise the pipeline of projects in a manner that is credible to financiers and valuable to economies,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President also highlighted the increasingly complex global energy environment in which African economies must operate.

The Africa Energy Indaba comes at a time when global energy markets remain volatile. Ongoing conflict in the Middle East has placed strain on supply chains and contributed to rising energy prices.

Ramaphosa warned that geopolitical disruptions continue to expose the vulnerability of economies that rely heavily on imported energy.

“As we have seen with Russia-Ukraine and during the COVID-19 pandemic, shifting geopolitical sands underscore the vulnerabilities of import-dependent economies across Africa.

“These vulnerabilities sharpen the case for regional and continental energy security and diversification. As such, this Indaba is timely and strategic. It is an opportunity to position our continent in a rapidly changing geopolitical context,” he said.

Despite these challenges, the President expressed strong confidence in Africa’s ability to transform its energy landscape and drive economic growth.

“Africa has what it needs to succeed. It has resources. It has people. It has growing institutions and expanding cooperation. The remaining task is to match this potential with sustained implementation, to translate plans into projects, and to turn projects into reliable power that supports industry, jobs and dignity.

“The present moment calls for unity of effort. It calls for partnerships that recognise that Africa’s growth is not a risk to be managed, but an opportunity to be realised. It calls for a shift from potential to delivery, from promise to construction

“I am confident that this Indaba will help strengthen cooperation, accelerate investment and contribute to building energy systems worthy of Africa’s promising future,” President Ramaphosa concluded.