On Monday January 27th 2025, The Africa Heads of State Energy Summit takes place in Dar es Salaam.
It is an event that truly brings together the right people, with the right agenda, in the right location, and at the right time.
This summit provides a critical opportunity for government leaders, key ministers, institutional investors, and industry professionals from Africa and beyond to come together with one common goal: to shape the future of Africa’s energy sector.
The continent stands at a crossroads. With a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, especially in the context of energy use and climate change, Africa must take this moment to reimagine its energy future.
The decisions made here will impact not only the present but also the next generation, making it a critical juncture for Africa’s economic and social development.
Tanzania’s Vision for Energy: A Commitment to Clean, Sustainable Energy:
Tanzania, under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has shown a commitment to addressing these challenges with a forward-thinking approach.
Under the visionary leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania has set a new precedent for embracing the boundless potential of energy. “Potentia infinita” boundless potential is no longer a distant dream. It is an urgent call to action.
As an advocate for renewable energy and energy security, Tanzania’s commitment to clean energy, especially the use of gas for cooking instead of charcoal, reflects the nation’s resolve to reduce environmental damage and improve the quality of life for its citizens.
Furthermore, her active role on the global stage, including invitations to the G20 Summit, further solidifies Tanzania’s growing influence in shaping global discussions on climate resilience and sustainable development.
Africa’s Energy Potential: A Region Poised for Transformation:
The discovery and application of new energy technologies have the potential to revolutionize Africa’s energy landscape.
The continent possesses abundant solar resources, with an estimated 60% of the world’s solar energy potential.
Yet, despite this vast natural advantage, over 600 million Africans remain without access to electricity, and a significant portion of the population continues to suffer from the lack of basic necessities such as clean water, adequate housing, and affordable healthcare.
This energy shortfall hinders the economic potential of the continent and deepens social inequities, limiting Africa’s ability to fully integrate into the global economy.
The road to energy security and economic growth in Africa hinges on utilizing all available resources.
While renewable energy holds tremendous promise, fossil fuels remain an essential part of the equation.
With over 125 billion barrels of proven crude oil reserves and vast natural gas resources, Africa’s fossil fuel reserves continue to be a key driver of industrial growth, job creation, and revenue generation.
These resources must be strategically managed to ensure they contribute to long-term prosperity while also addressing the environmental challenges posed by global warming and climate change.
During this summit, African leaders must focus on the needs of their populations, particularly the youth, who are increasingly vocal and critical of business-as-usual approaches.
The younger generation is demanding accountability and practical solutions to the energy crisis. The voices of African youth should be incorporated into national policies, ensuring that energy decisions not only address the current needs but also anticipate future challenges.
One key area where African countries can make a significant impact is in promoting the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) for cooking. Across the continent, many people still rely on traditional fuels such as charcoal and firewood, which contribute to deforestation and pollution.
By advocating for the widespread use of LNG, governments can create new economic opportunities, improve environmental sustainability, and enhance the quality of life for millions of people.
Local companies, like Photon Energy Limited, can play an essential role in this transformation, and policymakers must support these local ventures to ensure that Africa’s energy future is in African hands.
The energy sector in Africa is on the brink of transformation, but this shift will not come without challenges.
Climate change will undoubtedly affect the trajectory of Africa’s energy sector. How Africa responds to this challenge will depend on the continent’s ability to adopt sustainable energy solutions while also addressing the urgent need for reliable energy access.
If Africa is to avoid becoming uninhabitable due to climate change, there must be a concerted effort to ensure that energy policies are aligned with environmental goals.
The establishment of energy banks in Africa is another crucial step towards achieving energy security.
These institutions would provide much-needed funding for energy infrastructure projects, enabling countries to transition to cleaner and more reliable energy sources.
Given the fluctuations in global energy prices and the geopolitical instability that often accompanies energy markets, Africa must strengthen its energy systems and invest in long-term sustainability.
The international energy landscape is undergoing significant change.
The decline in oil prices due to global conflicts, along with the rise in renewable energy technologies, underscores the need for Africa to diversify its energy mix.
This shift is in line with global climate agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius.
As two-thirds of global greenhouse gas emissions come from the energy sector, transforming Africa’s energy systems to align with these goals will be essential for the continent’s future prosperity.
As the Energy Summit unfolds in Dar es Salaam, African policymakers must take proactive steps to adapt to these global shifts.
The energy sector should be approached with a social contract that prioritizes affordability, access, and sustainability.
Subsidies for energy should be considered to ensure that the most vulnerable populations have access to reliable and affordable energy sources.
At the same time, the private sector must be incentivized to invest in clean energy technologies that will help Africa meet its climate goals.
Looking ahead, it is critical that Africa’s leaders think beyond short-term solutions and focus on long-term strategies for energy security and sustainable development.
The actions taken during this summit will have a profound impact on the future of Africa, and it is up to the heads of state to ensure that the decisions made will benefit generations to come.
Read more about Global Energy Crisis: Why Phasing Out Fossil Fuels is Easier Said Than Done
