By Benjamin Wickham
Cape Town, South Africa, Oct. 18 — In a momentous address at the Africa Energy Week 2023, His Excellency President Dr. Hage G. Geingob articulated a powerful vision for the future of energy on the African continent. The speech, delivered under the theme “The African Energy Renaissance: Prioritizing Energy Poverty, People, Planet, Industrialization, and Free Markets,” emphasized the pivotal role energy plays in Africa’s development and the global commitment to sustainability.
Access to Reliable Energy: The Cornerstone of Development
President Geingob began by highlighting the pivotal role energy plays in the economic development of any nation. In his view, energy is the lifeblood that fuels industrialization, boosts productivity, fosters economic growth, and drives human development. Recognizing the significance of energy, he underscored the importance of aligning Africa’s energy goals with Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
A Renaissance of Energy Sources
The President acknowledged that Africa is experiencing a renaissance in both renewable and non-renewable energy sources. This renaissance holds the potential to address issues of poverty, environmental protection, and industrialization. However, he stressed that certain key factors must be addressed to achieve these ambitious goals.
Collaboration and Learning
President Geingob commended the gathering of policymakers and industry leaders at Africa Energy Week as a step in the right direction. Such forums provide unique opportunities for sharing knowledge, learning from experiences, and fostering collaboration among African nations. He emphasized the importance of allowing African nations to explore and exploit their natural resources for the continent’s prosperity.
Namibia’s Energy Prospects
Namibia, a country governed by transparent processes and institutions, was highlighted as a promising player in the hydrocarbon industry. The country currently hosts 13% of all offshore rigs operating in Africa, and recent oil discoveries by Shell and Total have created opportunities that cannot be overlooked.
Transition to Clean Energy
President Geingob stressed the need for multinational energy companies operating in Africa to demonstrate leadership in transitioning to cleaner energy sources. He urged these companies to commit to building clean and sustainable industrial complexes on the continent, maximizing benefits for Africa while respecting environmental thresholds.
Affordable Energy for All
Affordable energy for all Africans was identified as an immediate priority. The President underscored the importance of expanding access to energy to drive industrialization and economic growth, particularly for the continent’s youth.
Balancing Hydrocarbons and Green Initiatives
Addressing a common concern, President Geingob highlighted that Namibia’s pursuit of hydrocarbons did not contradict its efforts towards a burgeoning green and blue economy. He argued that these two initiatives are not only compatible but interdependent, as hydrocarbons remain essential for the global economy. Developing nations with rich natural resources should leverage their assets for cleaner, more sustainable industries.
Strategic Green Industrialization
Namibia’s strategy for clean synthetic fuels and green industrialization was presented as a promising path to a sustainable future. President Geingob outlined the significant potential for economic growth and job creation through this strategy, emphasizing that these opportunities should not be ignored.
African Commodities and the Energy Transition
Africa’s rich endowments of key commodities, such as cobalt, copper, lithium, and manganese, were recognized as pivotal in the global shift toward decarbonization. The President stressed the importance of African nations capturing a share of this growing market by expanding production and localizing value-added segments of the supply chain.
Unity for a Sustainable Future
The speech concluded with a call for unity and collaboration among African nations. President Geingob echoed the wisdom of former Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere, emphasizing the need for complimentary policies, regional infrastructure investment, and shared research and development.
In an inspiring address, President Dr. Hage G. Geingob laid out a vision of a thriving African energy sector that addresses poverty, environmental concerns, and industrialization while promoting sustainable development. The call for unity and collaboration serves as a powerful reminder of the collective effort required to propel Africa’s energy renaissance forward.
