Push for G20 to back inclusive energy systems for Africa
South Africa’s G20 Presidency has been framed as a strategic opportunity to advance the African agenda in energy and other issues
South Africa – which currently holds the G20 Presidency – is advocating for a G20 action agenda focused on prioritising affordable and inclusive energy systems across the continent.
During the Global Energy Leaders Forum, held at the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025 pre-conference this week, the nation presented its 10-year infrastructure plan, highlighting the need for a multi-resource approach to advance energy security across Africa.
The 10-year plan sets out several objectives, including:
- continental integration
- energy security
- optimising resources and costs
- subsidiarity and political support
- private sector participation
The plan identifies 19 projects in advanced stages that require $19 billion to complete; five projects with completed feasibility studies in need of further investment; and 28 projects either without preparation support or still at an early stage of development.
Organisers said the plan represents a significant opportunity for global investors while showcasing the scale of Africa’s potential.
South Africa’s G20 Presidency homing in on energy security
Hosted in partnership with the African Energy Chamber, International Energy Forum (IEF) and S&P Global Commodity Insights, the forum provided a platform for G20 nations to explore pathways for collaboration and investment in Africa’s energy sector.
Discussions focused on how Africa and its G20 partners can simultaneously drive an inclusive energy transition and alleviate energy poverty.
With African energy demand projected to increase four-fold by 2040, participants emphasised the urgent need to boost investment throughout the energy value chain.
Priorities include investing in cross-border infrastructure, harnessing available energy resources and improving access to financing.
South Africa’s G20 Presidency was framed as a strategic opportunity to advance the African agenda.
Support for bridging energy access gap in Africa
Global partners were also highlighted. The UAE promoted the Global Energy Efficiency Alliance (GEEA), a government-backed platform designed to transform global energy pledges into actionable projects. At least 40 countries have expressed serious interest in joining the initiative.
China was cited as strengthening its collaboration with African nations, building on its infrastructure presence while pursuing opportunities in green energy. The China-Africa Development Fund aims to invest up to $5bn in Africa’s green industrial sector, spanning both grid-connected and off-grid projects.
While these investments mark progress, the forum stressed the importance of improving access to financing across the energy value chain. Innovative capital raising and stronger global ties were underscored as essential to sustaining momentum.
By outlining opportunities and challenges, the event sought to reinforce Africa’s role as a global energy frontier and emphasised the importance of international collaboration to secure sustainable growth.
Cover photo: South Africa’s Minister of Electricity and Energy Kgosientsho Ramokgopa attended the event in Cape Town. Source: Real_AEW/X
