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At this year’s high-profile Africa Energy Week, stakeholders from across the continent emphasised the need to transition from decades of discussion about Africa’s vast energy potential to the practical realities of financing, infrastructure, and implementation.
For some delegates, the gathering marked both a return and a transition. That transition, however, will not come easily, with financing repeatedly highlighted as a central obstacle.
Michael Humphries, the CEO of Century Group, noted that while global oil majors have long-standing access to capital, independent firms remain constrained in their access to capital.
“The outcome should be constructive discussions on how the industry is going to finance itself in Africa because that’s one of the biggest challenges facing companies,” he explained.
“Independent companies need to find new sources of funding — whether from the Gulf or the Far East — particularly for gas and infrastructure. Gas, in particular, is critically important for economic development in resource-rich countries like Nigeria and Angola.”
Beyond finance, the conference theme — “Positioning Africa as a Global Energy Champion” — resonated with many participants. Several speakers stressed the need to transform Africa’s narrative from one of potential to one of delivery.
Additionally, Whisper Ganya, the CEO of RA-ESG Solar Solutions, said that the week-long conference promises to test whether Africa’s energy leaders can finally bridge the gap between aspirations and implementation.
“We cannot continue having this perennial energy problem when we have so much resource at our disposal. This week must be about results, not rhetoric.” He said.
