Africa Energy Forum 2025 opens with urgent calls for united action on power access - Energy
Government officials, industry leaders, and financiers focused on expanding access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy.
South Africa's Minister of Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, urged Africa to take control of its energy transition. 'Africa can no longer be seen as a passive recipient of imported solutions. We have the natural resources, the human capital, and the ambition to drive our own energy transition,' he said.
He called for urgent investment in grid infrastructure, regional integration, and renewables to close the access gap for 600 million people.
Nigeria's Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, echoed the need for scale and coordination.
'We must think big, act boldly, and work together. Regional power markets, harmonised regulations, and major infrastructure projects are the only way we can provide energy security and drive industrialisation across the continent,' he said.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu addressed the forum via video, announcing reforms to cut energy project costs by up to 40 percent through faster permitting and regulation.
He said Nigeria had secured more than $8 billion in energy investments over the past year. 'This shows that with the right policies, Africa can mobilise the resources it needs. Let us match words with action.'
Former Ghanaian president John Dramani Mahama stressed inclusivity. 'Energy plans must serve our rural communities, not just our capitals. They must empower our youth, not just our corporations,' he said, calling for support for community-based and small energy enterprises.
African Development Bank president Dr Akinwumi Adesina highlighted the scale of financing required. 'Africa requires at least $90 billion in annual energy investment through 2030. This is achievable if we build the right partnerships, de-risk investments, and focus on sustainable, inclusive models,' Adesina said.
Delegates shared success stories, including cross-border transmission lines, utility-scale renewables, and battery storage, which improved grid reliability.
Cape Town was praised for local innovation, such as rooftop solar incentives, battery installations, and pumped hydro plans.
The Youth Energy Summit drew over 4,000 young professionals, students, and entrepreneurs for pitches, mentoring, and networking—giving the next generation a voice in shaping Africa's energy future.
In the deal-making zone, agreements were signed for a 300MW wind farm joint venture, expanded mini-grid partnerships in East Africa, and new battery storage investments in North Africa.
Investors expressed optimism, contingent on continued regulatory reforms.
Closing Day 1, EnergyNet managing director Simon Gosling said: 'This forum is not about promises — it's about delivery. Africa stands at a historic crossroads. What we decide to do together in the days ahead will shape our energy future for generations.'
The forum continues through the week with sessions on energy finance, regulation, regional markets, green hydrogen, and emerging technologies.
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