At the Africa CEO Forum in Abidjan, South African officials called for a more equitable and pragmatic approach to the global energy transition, highlighting the need to balance environmental goals with Africa’s development realities.
Minister of Mineral and Energy Resources Gwede Mantashe criticized what he described as the unfair burden placed on African countries to rapidly decarbonize, despite the continent’s minimal contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. “Africa cannot be expected to carry the cost of a crisis it did not create,” Mantashe said.
Minister in the Presidency Kgosientsho Ramokgopa reinforced this view, emphasizing that any energy transition must prioritize universal energy access. With nearly 600 million Africans still lacking reliable electricity, he argued that investments should first support basic infrastructure and economic growth before imposing strict climate targets.
South Africa’s position reflects a growing continental push for a just transition—one that recognizes Africa’s development needs, historical inequalities, and its critical role in supplying the minerals essential for global clean energy technologies.
The forum, attended by heads of state, CEOs, and policymakers, underscored the strategic importance of African voices in shaping the global climate agenda.
Image Source:radarafrica.com