South African President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the need for enhanced energy integration across Africa to bolster the continent’s security and economic diversification. Addressing the Africa Energy Indaba 2026 in Cape Town, Ramaphosa highlighted the risks faced by African economies due to geopolitical tensions and disruptions in the global supply chain. He stressed the importance of regional and continental energy security and diversification in light of escalating conflicts impacting energy prices and supply chains.
Ramaphosa called for the development of an integrated energy system that can transmit power across borders and utilize various resources like hydropower, solar, wind, and gas. He emphasized the benefits of an interconnected grid in promoting affordability, reliability, and industrial competitiveness. Despite Africa’s abundant energy resources, over 600 million people on the continent still lack access to electricity, hindering industrialization and investment.
The President underscored the importance of translating energy potential into tangible projects that deliver reliable power to support economic growth and development. He highlighted the Ten-Year Africa Energy Infrastructure Investment Plan as a mechanism to mobilize financing for energy projects, emphasizing the need for a shift from planning to implementation. The Africa Energy Indaba, themed “Igniting the Power Revolution,” has attracted over 1,600 delegates from 37 African countries, including energy ministers, investors, regulators, and industry leaders, aiming to accelerate infrastructure development and investment.
