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AsiaElec SUSTAINABILITY AsiaElec

IEA roundtable calls for resilient and

sustainable energy systems in Africa

GLOBAL AFRICAN governments have called for sound Africans cannot afford,” said South African
government policies and enhanced investment Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Samson
to support economies and develop resilient and Gwede Mantashe.
sustainable energy systems. “With its young and dynamic population,
The IEA African Ministerial Roundtable met Africa has an increasingly important role in the
this week to consider the impact of the coronavi- world’s energy future. The region has long been
rus (COVID-19) pandemic and global economic a key part of the IEA’s work, but I am delighted
recession on the continent’s energy systems. that our engagement with African governments,
The meeting heard that since the lockdown institutions and energy companies continues
was enforced in Africa in March, there has been to grow stronger. Today’s high-level ministerial
a marked decline in progress towards electricity meeting is a clear example of those deepening
access, while energy investment trends in Africa relationships,” said IEA Executive Director Fatih
have seen a drop. Birol.
Meanwhile, disruptions in global oil and gas “Africa needs structural energy investments
markets caused by low oil prices as well as the in order to develop its full potential. Africa needs
COVID-19 restrictions could negatively affect be supported to participate actively in the energy
African countries reliant on oil and gas for a transition by respecting its global environmental
considerable share of their government income. commitments,” said Cissé.
At particular risk are green energy projects The roundtable heard that Africa needed a
that aim to increase access-to-power rates across secure, affordable and sustainable power sector
the continent. that would not only aid economic recovery but
Roundtable chair Mouhamadou Makthar also enhance resiliency to other challenges over
Cissé, Senegal’s Minister of Petroleum and time.
Energy, said that Africa needed inclusive, just Key areas of investment include the national
and sustainable energy transitions in order to and mini-grids sectors, as well as off-grid.
ensure sufficient, affordable and reliable energy Meanwhile, oil and gas exporters, who have
for all. been severely affected by the crisis, should seize
The roundtable heard that Africa faces the the opportunity to diversify their economy away
risk that clean energy could be a luxury beyond from fossil fuels.
the reach of many Africans, particularly in rural Finally, governments should foster enhanced
and slum urban areas. regional and international co-operation to help
“Continued failure to close the energy access build robust, affordable, sustainable and resilient
gap will make clean energy a luxury many energy systems across the continent.™

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