Accra:African energy experts have called for a shift from focusing solely on energy transition to emphasizing economic transformation. They urge governments to link renewable energy investments with industrialization, job creation, and local capacity development.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the experts expressed these views at the inaugural Energy Transition Africa (ETA) Colloquium 2026, held virtually under the theme ‘Transition or Transformation? What Will the New Energy Economy Mean for Africa’s Development’. They stressed that Africa’s energy transition should not only be measured by electricity generation and renewable energy investments but also by its impact on industries, skills, businesses, and livelihoods.
Vincent Egoro, Founder and Executive Director of ETA, emphasized that Africa’s challenge is converting ambition into capability and opportunity. He stated that energy investments should create jobs and strengthen institutions, thus enabling African businesses to retain more economic value locally.
Yagouba Traoré, Head of Policy Planning and Strategy at the African Energy Commission of the African Union, noted that nearly 600 million Africans lack electricity access and close to one billion rely on traditional fuels for cooking. He highlighted Africa’s abundant renewable resources as a means to accelerate industrialization and enhance its position in global energy value chains.
Ejiro Gray, Executive Director of Governance and Sustainability at Sahara Group, highlighted the need for energy investments to build lasting economic capabilities. She emphasized the importance of local procurement, technical expertise, and technology development in retaining economic value.
Dr. Chantal Naidoo, Founder and Executive Director of Rabia Transitions, cautioned that financing arrangements should prioritize social protection and equitable development, rather than reinforcing existing economic dependencies.
Maybel Acquaye, Policy Lead for Minerals and Mining Policy at the Africa Centre for Energy Policy, advocated using the energy transition to expand productive economic activities and develop local enterprises. She stressed the need for appropriate policies and skills development to realize these benefits.
Dr. Bala Tyoden, Head of the Research and Development Unit at the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), highlighted the economic burden of unreliable power supply in Nigeria, stressing the need for reliable supply and productive electricity use.
Four ETA fellows presented research on financing, community participation, and electricity infrastructure challenges across Africa, emphasizing the need for investment-ready projects and community engagement in energy transition projects.
The colloquium concluded with closing remarks from Monday Osasah, Board Chair of ETA, who encouraged the fellows to share their research findings to inform public debate and support communities.