Financing of African energy projects and diversifying the mix of sustainable energy resources on the continent were on the top of the Energy Indaba yesterday as global energy and business leaders met in Johannesburg to discuss the way forward for Africa’s energy future.

Co-organised by the NEPAD Agency, African Union Commission (AUC), World Energy Council (WEC) and South African National Energy Association (SANEA), the Indaba provided a platform for discussing critical energy solutions focused on developing an appropriate mix of resources to deliver Africa's economic potential and unlocking finance for the implementation of energy projects on the continent.

“Africa only generates 4% of global electricity, our main goal as NEPAD is to increase energy access to modern clean energy resources through the implementation of various energy projects as well as improve the utilisation of Africa’s vast energy resources through our Programme of Infrastructure Development Programme (PIDA),”NEPAD Head of Energy, Professor Mosad Elmissiry, said.

(l-r) Mr Greg Nott, Norton Rose Fulbright, Professor Mosad Elmissiry, NEPAD Agency and Mr Arthur Hanna, Accenture Strategy

The NEPAD Agency through PIDA is supporting African countries to efficiently and effectively use their vast resources of energy on a sustainable basis, be it hydro or fossil, or renewable or nuclear to ensure energy accessibility, affordability and security for all. It has recently launched the Africa Power Vision (APV), with the aim of rapidly accelerating the implementation of critical energy projects in Africa that will help to build the regional infrastructure for electrifying the continent.

Mrs Marie-José Nadeau Chair of the World Energy Council

Mrs Marie-José Nadeau, Host of the Indaba and Chair of WEC emphasised on the important role that Energy plays in driving economic change in Africa, as it has the potential to impact other development sectors. “You need energy for health care, education, agriculture, ICT; you can’t unlock Africa’s vast potential without energy,” Mrs Nadeau said.

Stakeholders emphasised on the need for increased access to finance for the implementation of energy projects and to draft policies that support investment and help reduce risk. Capacity building and skills and technology transfer was highlighted as well.

The Indaba, meaning news or a gathering in South African Zulu language, is one of Africa’s annual premier energy events.