President Cyril Ramaphosa used the Global Citizen Scaling Up Renewables in Africa gathering in Johannesburg on Friday to call for sustained global support to expand clean energy access across the continent. The event took place on the eve of the G20 Leaders Summit and marked the close of a year-long effort focused on accelerating renewable energy projects in African countries.
Ramaphosa delivered opening remarks before an audience that included European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin and Global Citizen Chief Executive Hugh Evans. He said South Africa had committed from the beginning of its G20 Presidency to ensure that Africa’s priorities were at the forefront of global discussions. He said the Presidency aimed to promote collaboration that leads to practical results.
The President said African countries held some of the richest renewable energy resources in the world, but continued to face what he described as an energy paradox. According to him, about 40 per cent of the continent’s population still does not have access to electricity despite an abundance of solar, wind and hydro resources. He said the impact of this energy shortage was severe because it affected clean cooking, access to medicines, education outcomes and broader economic activity.
Ramaphosa said the Scaling up Renewables in Africa initiative was established to address this challenge by supporting efforts to broaden access to sustainable energy. He said the initiative aligned with South Africa’s goal of promoting an energy secure future driven by the innovation and skills of the continent’s people.
He highlighted that during the course of South Africa’s G20 Presidency, the country had supported the Action Plan for Clean Cooking, which aims to promote cleaner cooking technologies across African communities. He said South Africa had also backed off-grid energy solutions that could help reach rural and remote areas. In addition, the country advanced the Principles for Clean People Centred Just Energy Transitions, which aim to ensure that energy reforms benefit citizens fairly.
The President urged global partners to strengthen the momentum created this year and convert it into concrete improvements in the lives of African people. He said progress achieved in high-level engagements needed to be reflected in daily experiences across the continent.
He warned that Africa’s potential would remain unfulfilled if the continent continued to face barriers in accessing clean and reliable energy sources. He said renewable energy capacity must be supported through investment cooperation and long-term commitments from partners across the world.
Ramaphosa said Africa’s renewable energy future could unlock large-scale economic opportunities and contribute to global climate goals if supported through decisive action. He said solidarity from global partners was essential to speed up the clean energy transition and ensure that African countries were not left behind.
He closed his address by thanking delegates and partners for their contributions throughout the year and said Africa’s clean energy revolution remained within reach through continued cooperation.
