South Africa will continue to work with other African countries in its efforts to achieve an effective energy transition, Minister for Electricity and Energy Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa pledged during a speech at the ongoing Africa Energy Forum in Cape Town.
Addressing participants on the theme “Africa United,” Ramokgopa emphasized the urgent need for the African continent to work together to solve energy challenges, including electricity.
“We will continue to work with the AU, African member states, and development partners to drive a programmatic response and financing instruments to address these structural challenges.”
“Let us begin with the most elementary truth: electricity is not a luxury; it is a fundamental basic human right,” Ramokgopa stated.
“It is the oxygen of economic activity, the lifeblood of industrialization, and the foundation of dignity in the 21st century. Yet today, 600 million of our brothers and sisters remain in the dark.”
The Minister emphasized the need to develop an energy transition that is inclusive and based on the socio-economic conditions of the African continent’s people. Ramokgopa told delegates that it’s time for Africa to create its own energy solutions instead of relying on developed countries.
“We must pursue energy transition pathways that reflect our national and continental context and development priorities,” Ramokgopa said.
“Any transition must be just, inclusive, and grounded in the realities of our socio-economic landscape. It must enable industrialization, support job creation, ensure food security and energy security, and align with the broader objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
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