Author: Opinion

North Africa already has the requisite abundant natural resources and developing infrastructure to support a massive expansion in green hydrogen production. The region boasts some of the highest solar irradiation levels globally, making it an ideal location for solar-powered hydrogen production. Countries like Morocco and Egypt have already initiated projects like the Noor Ouarzazate Solar Thermal Complex and the Benban Solar Complex, respectively, which could serve as the backbone for the industry. While much of our attention at the African Energy Chamber (AEC) concentrates on efforts to industrialize the sub-Saharan regions, as covered in our recently released 2025 Outlook Report,…

At the current pace of electrification amid rising population, the number of people without electricity in Africa will remain unchanged unless bold action is rolled out. In response to this urgent need, the AfDB Group, the World Bank, and other partners have launched Mission 300, a plan that aims to provide electricity access to 300 million Africans by 2030. The plan focuses on accelerating electrification through a mix of grid extensions and distributed renewable energy solutions, such as mini-grids and stand-alone solar home systems. Across Africa, the sunlight shines bright and natural resources abound. Yet despite that lies a pressing…

So far, South Africa and Senegal are the only African countries to have agreed to a Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETP), with South Africa securing a deal for $8.5 billion, while Senegal secured one for $2.7 billion. How South Africa and Senegal intend to leverage these deals differ drastically, however, as do their power generation circumstances. Currently, coal continues to dominate South Africa’s energy portfolio, at over 80 per cent of the country’s power generation mix. Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETP) have been introduced in recent years to provide financial support to developing nations as they transition away from fossil…

Gunster Strategies Worldwide will host the “Stars and Stripes & The Union Jack” reception at the Hay-Adams Hotel, bringing together global leaders to celebrate the U.S.-UK special relationship and reinforce its role in global advocacy. Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK and a cornerstone figure in Brexit, will serve as the evening’s guest of honor. With over three decades of experience, Gunster has built a legacy of shaping transformative campaigns across the globe. As Washington, D.C., prepares for the historic 60th Presidential Inauguration, Gunster Strategies Worldwide is set to host an exclusive reception that promises to solidify its reputation as a leading…

Africa’s exploding population presents huge growth opportunities; A world-class digital payments ecosystem will be fundamental to that. There are opportunities for anyone who can simplify, rationalise and standardise payments for the continent’s dynamic financial economy. Any platform entering this space must recognise that there isn’t one answer; there are many. Africa is an exciting, vibrant, and creative place to do business. But make no mistake, it has its challenges. Currency devaluation, political instability, and service disruptions are endemic. Africa is not for sissies, as the saying goes. In navigating those challenges, relationships matter. It’s not so much about throwing money…

Decentralized power generation—typically based on solar home systems and mini-grids—is the best bet to eradicate energy poverty among people in more isolated rural areas. By decentralizing power generation, Africa can secure a sustainable energy future and improve the lives of millions of people. Standalone power systems or localized power networks (otherwise known as “mini-grids”) have become efficient means of power that utilize solar in combination with battery storage and backup generators. Think about a time when your electricity went out. As you sat in the dark, maybe you wondered how long it would be before you could power up your…

To vastly increase the number of gazelles—and by extension, the likelihood of unicorns—stakeholders must work together to overcome existing barriers. Under ideal circumstances, gazelles—fast-growing companies essential for economic growth and employment—can mature into unicorns. To get unicorns, however, the key lies in cultivating gazelles first. Across Africa, there is a clear need to focus on the imperatives that can drive this transformation. Gazelles. Camels. Elephants. In the language of venture capital, we have a full menagerie to describe a startup’s growth progression. However, in the past decade, the ultimate aspiration remains the unicorn: privately held companies valued at over $1…

Majority of 2024’s capex was driven by established producers like Angola and Nigeria. Senegal is an example of how operator-friendly policies, political stability, and vast reserves can attract foreign investment. Africa holds nearly 18 trillion cubic meters of natural gas reserves, which will prove essential for a just energy transition. I’ve said for years that African energy is a vital investment. Backers clearly agree — to the tune of $47 billion. That’s how much capital expenditure (capex) 2024 saw in African oil and gas, showing a 23 per cent increase from last year. Better yet, we expect growth to continue…

Transition finance is funding dedicated to decarbonizing hard-to-abate and emissions-intensive sectors, such as steel and cement manufacturing. Companies in these sectors must prepare for an orderly transition, as failure to act will bring immense risk in a decarbonizing world economy. Nurturing a thriving transition finance market is critical to mitigating systemic economic and financial risks. The transition finance market provides a unique opportunity for Africa to leapfrog to low-carbon technologies and business models, which will address climate risks and enhance the continent’s global competitiveness. Though lacking a universal definition, transition finance refers to funding dedicated to decarbonizing hard-to-abate and emissions-intensive…

Existing scientific research in Africa’s renewable energy transition often overlooks certain dispatchable technologies that could enhance grid flexibility. Studies primarily focus on zero-carbon dispatchable technologies like concentrated solar power and geothermal, despite their limitations in efficiency, reliability, and cost. Balancing engine power plants, which are globally recognized for their flexibility, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, are notably absent in these analyses, despite their potential to run on clean fuels in the future. It is no longer disputed that solar and wind power will be the foundation of Africa’s future energy systems. They are perfectly suited to the continent’s unique conditions and are…