Energy experts have stressed the need for Africa’s energy transition to be just, inclusive and strategically funded to ensure no one is left behind.They made the call during a webinar, organised by OTL Africa Downstream, tagged: ‘Interrogating Just and Inclusive Energy Transition for Africa’ to mark the International Day of Clean Energy 2025’.
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They lamented that the continent, with immense renewable energy potential and critical minerals essential for energy transition, still grappled with energy poverty, inadequate financing and structural challenges.

An energy expert with Siemens Energy Venture, Adedoyin Pearse, emphasised the need for universal energy access in Africa. She pointed out that despite being rich in energy resources, large sections of the continent remained unconnected to electricity.

“Everyone must have access to electricity. It’s heartbreaking to know that even in countries like Nigeria, there are still communities that aren’t connected to the grid or have no power at all,” Pearse said.

She stressed that a human-centered approach must guide the transition, ensuring fairness and equity henceforth, especially in regions like Africa where energy poverty remained widespread.

Pearse also highlighted the potential risks of transitioning from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources such as wind, solar and hydro power, especially for marginalised communities and workers in energy industries, like coal mining.

“As we move towards renewables, we must think about what happens to workers in fossil fuel industries. The livelihoods and well-being of communities that rely on these industries for employment must be protected,” she added.
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Speaking on the current state of energy investments across the continent, the Country Manager of Vitol Nigeria, Chibuzor Ifeanyi, stressed that Africa’s growing energy demand required urgent and substantial investments. He underscored the pressing need to close the significant financing gap hindering progress.

“In comparison, global energy investments are projected to reach $200 billion, yet Africa’s share is still insufficient. Do the sums, and you can see for yourself that the shortfall is quite significant,” he said.

According to the Managing Director of Afri-Inspect, Ian Brown, who spoke on the Africa’s potential in the global energy transition, Africa is home to 30 per cent of the world’s critical minerals, such as cobalt, nickel, and lithium, which are essential for clean energy technologies.

“These minerals are vital for the production of wind turbines, electric vehicles and other renewable energy technologies, making Africa a key player in reducing global carbon emissions,” he said.

In her remarks, the CEO of Guuru Energy in Kenya, Ogutu Okudo emphasised the need for regional cooperation in Africa’s energy transition.

“When Kenya faces power outages, Uganda steps in to supply electricity. This regional cooperation is crucial for Africa’s energy future,” Okudo explained.
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