In the Energy Transition Era, Africa Should Prioritize its Own Development

In the Energy Transition Era, Africa Should Prioritize its Own Development

Ushering MSGBC Oil, Gas&Power 2022 (https://bit.ly/3a4fuRb) to a triumphant close, the final Ministerial panel of the conference convened under the theme, “The Future of Africa’s Energy: COP27 and the Road Ahead,” presenting a unified African position on energy autonomy and security ahead of the UNFCCC’s 27th Conference of Parties in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt at the end of the year.

Speakers included H.E. Sophie Gladima, Minister of Petroleum and Energies of the Republic of Senegal; H.E. Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization; H.E. Gabriel Mbaga Obiang Lima, Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea; H.E. Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua, President of OPEC and Minister of Hydrocarbons of the Republic of the Congo; Hon. Tom Alweendo, Minister of Mines and Energy of the Republic of Namibia; and Milton Catelin, Secretary General of the International Gas Union. NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, moderated the session.

During the ministerial panel, speakers emphasized that up until now, climate change policies have largely been dictated by western and environmental organizations, organizations which have failed to consider Africa’s energy crisis.

“There is nothing different from a just transition other than what is already in the Paris Agreement.