Browsing: energy

• Since 1960, more than $2.6 trillion has been pumped into Africa in the form of aid.
• From 1970 and 1998, when aid was at its peak, poverty actually rose alarmingly—from 11% to 66%—due in large part to this massive influx of foreign aid that counteracted its intended good.
• Aid decreased long-term economic growth by fuelling systemic corruption, in which powerful aid recipients funnelled foreign funds into a personal stash instead of public investment.

After President Trump announced a 90-day overseas spending freeze, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said “every dollar” must be “justified” by evidence that it makes the US safer, stronger and more prosperous. I acknowledge that stance may sound ungrateful. At first blush, many might counter that starving people have no agenda. Destitute parents still need to feed their children. Turning a blind eye to their plight is inhumane.

Let me explain why the African Energy Chamber (AEC) …

• Through partnerships, innovative incentives, and public-focused investments, the Sahel can close the energy gap and bridge the rural-urban divide.
• Based on the region’s potential, UNDP is implementing the UN Integrated Strategy for the Sahel (UNISS), aiming to provide clean, affordable energy to over 150 million people by 2025.
• The Sahel has one of the highest potential for solar energy production globally, at 13.9 billion kWh/year compared to the global consumption of 20 billion kWh/year.

Imagine a Sahel region where every household, school, and hospital has access to clean, affordable energy—where renewable power not only serves homes but also drives economic transformation. Given the region’s rich solar, wind, and hydro resources, this vision is achievable.

With one of the highest potential for solar energy production globally, at 13.9 billion kWh/year compared to the global consumption of 20 billion kWh/year, the Sahel’s renewable energy capacity remains underutilised. Currently, over 55 …

• The World Bank is leading Mission 300 Africa energy summit in Dar es Salaam.
• Currently, over 600 million people in Africa lack access to electricity.
• World Bank, IMF commit 30 million to the Mission goals

The World Bank Mission 300 energy summit has described Tanzania as a lighthouse and beacon for other African nations to follow when it comes to producing and distributing electricity to its people. The statement was made at the World Bank led Mission 300 Africa energy summit, which brings together Heads of State from all across the continent alongside development partners and private sector players.

The summit’s main goal is to commit key stakeholders to ambitious reforms and actions to expand access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity to 300 million people in Africa by 2030. “300 million of 600 million is not a small number. It is an enormous task and in the past, …

• Mission 300 will invest in new and rehabilitation of generation capacity, transmission systems, including intra- and regional interconnections, as well as distribution grids to build robust and reliable power systems.
• It will be complemented by reforms in the energy sector to ensure affordability and sustainability of electricity service, and financially viable utilities.

Across Africa, nearly 600 million people live in energy poverty, deprived of reliable access to electricity—a fundamental prerequisite for modern life. This staggering statistic represents more than just a lack of power.  Significantly, it translates to limited opportunities for education, healthcare, gender equality, and economic growth.

Mission 300, a bold initiative championed by the African Development Bank Group and the World Bank Group in collaboration with key partners, seeks to change this narrative by providing first time electricity access to 300 million Africans by 2030.  A key milestone in this effort, branded Mission 300, is the Africa …

• Algeria has launched a $50Bn investment drive to revitalize its hydrocarbon sector, starting with a 2024 licensing round offering six onshore blocks to domestic and international investors.
• Backed by extensive seismic data and a transparent bidding process, the initiative aims to attract global energy players while aligning with sustainability trends.
• This marks the first step in Algeria’s five-year strategy to position itself as a key energy hub in North Africa.

Algeria, one of the key players in the global energy market, is embarking on an ambitious journey to inject $50 billion into its hydrocarbon sector over the next four years. This investment drive aims to rejuvenate the nation’s exploration and production activities, signaling a new era of energy innovation and international collaboration.

Central to this transformative initiative is Algeria’s 2024 licensing round, which has captured the attention of global energy stakeholders and positioned the country as a beacon for hydrocarbon …

• US President Donald Trump is among the top 40 Movers and Shakers who are poised to drive change in Africa’s energy sector this year.
• The list by the African Energy Chamber includes various Heads of State and Captains of industry whose focus on sustainable development, investment mobilization and energy sovereignty will define the continent’s future.
• The accomplishments and strategies of the 40 Movers and Shakers will be critical to addressing industry challenges and harnessing opportunities for the continent’s growth.

A mix of leaders, policymakers, innovators and corporate executives are poised to further drive change across Africa’s oil, gas and energy industries, the latest update by the African Energy Chamber (AEC) shows.

The list, which is an annual benchmark of influence and innovation, announces leaders at the forefront of advancing Africa’s energy potential. According to the AEC, these individuals are reshaping narratives, overcoming challenges and championing investment and sustainability in their …

• 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, The State of African Energy, the more developed North African nations have seen recent progress in the renewables field, in green hydrogen specifically, that deserves our recognition.

Many are likely unfamiliar with the technology behind the production of this fuel source, and the subject requires at least a brief explanation.…

• Wärtsilä Corporation, a global leader in energy and marine technologies, has been a key player in Tanzania’s energy sector for over 40 years.
• The Finnish multinational will showcase its innovative strategies for sustainable energy at the East Africa Energy Cooperation Summit in Arusha, Tanzania.
• CEO Thomas Bourlier reaffirms Wärtsilä’s commitment to driving East Africa’s energy growth and regional collaboration.

For over four decades, Wärtsilä Corporation has played a pivotal role in shaping Tanzania’s energy landscape, solidifying its reputation as a global leader in innovative energy solutions.

This Finnish multinational, renowned for its expertise in energy and marine technologies, is set to make its mark at the upcoming East Africa Energy Cooperation Summit in Arusha, Tanzania.

Represented by CEO and Senior Manager Thomas Bourlier, Wärtsilä aims to spotlight its legacy and future-focused strategies for driving sustainable energy development across Africa and beyond. With operations spanning diverse global markets, the company’s participation …

• 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 issue that threatens to stifle the continent’s growth and prosperity: the lack of access to reliable and sustainable electricity. As we prepare for the Africa Energy Summit, taking place on January 27-28, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, the urgency of addressing Africa’s energy needs cannot be overstated.

Without …

• 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 fuels. In 2021, during the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), South Africa became the first nation to sign such a deal. Senegal and the International Partners Group (IGP) signed a JETP in June 2023.

I have said before that the best way for Western countries, and …