President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for urgent measures to address Africa’s energy deficit, stressing that reliable, affordable energy is crucial for industrial growth, job creation, and regional integration. Speaking at the Africa Energy Indaba in Cape Town, he emphasized the need for a unified and resilient energy system aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
“Every day without reliable power translates into lost production, interrupted services, constrained investment, and reduced opportunity. Industrialization cannot take place without secured supply chains, as well as affordable, scalable energy,” Ramaphosa said.
The President highlighted the continent’s rich resources, including oil, gas, solar, and critical minerals, but warned that over 600 million Africans remain without electricity. “There must be equality. We cannot have a situation where 600 million Africans on our continent do not have access to electricity. That gives rise to inequality. Equity and equality is one of those fundamental values that all of us must embrace,” he added.
Ramaphosa urged governments, the private sector, and development partners to collaborate on strengthening energy security, resilience, and sustainability, underlining that productive energy access is key for African economies to compete globally and improve the quality of life for millions.
VOC News
Photo: X/ @PresidencyZA
