Energy security: The guarantor of dignity and Africa’s future
Minister Ramokgopa highlights energy as a catalyst for growth, trade, and human dignity
Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has underscored the critical importance of energy security, emphasizing that electricity is far more than a utility it is the bedrock of human dignity and economic opportunity.
“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, held this week at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
Ramokgopa’s remarks arrive at a pivotal moment as Africa balances the urgent need for development with the global push for decarbonisation. He stressed that the energy transition must address the realities of African citizens while advancing cleaner, sustainable power.
“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 said.
The Minister highlighted that these objectives are firmly anchored in Africa’s long-term development frameworks.
“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,” Ramokgopa explained.
However, he cautioned that achieving these ambitions requires more than technical planning or financial strategies. Strong political will, governance reforms, and institutional clarity are crucial.
“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.
Minister Ramokgopa also reflected on Africa’s growing presence in global economic forums, noting that the continent’s priorities are now gaining attention on the world stage.
“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,” he said.
As Africa charts its course toward sustainable growth, energy security remains at the heart of the continent’s vision for dignity, development, and industrial progress, a sentiment captured perfectly by Minister Ramokgopa’s call to action.
