President William Ruto has urged African nations to focus on industrialization and economic growth as a means to combat energy poverty. Speaking at the Global Renewables Summit during UNGA 79, he emphasized Africa’s potential to diversify value chains amid the global energy transition, while also cautioning that not all industrial development benefits the continent’s people.
Ruto highlighted that nearly 600 million Africans lack electricity and about one billion have no access to clean cooking options. He pointed out that the annual increase in energy access for 30 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa barely keeps up with a yearly population growth of 28 million, threatening progress towards the Sustainable Development Agenda and Paris Agreement goals.
To address these challenges, Ruto is advancing the Africa Green Industrialisation Initiative (AGII) and announced plans for the first Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa (APRA) Investment Forum in Nairobi next month. He stated that Africa must prioritize both the supply of and demand for renewable energy to foster partnerships and unlock innovative solutions.
The President stressed that Africa’s unique climate competitiveness can yield economic growth, job creation, and sustainable livelihoods, but warned that a lack of a disciplined approach may exacerbate inequalities. He noted that Africa currently receives less than 2% of global investment in renewable energy, despite its vast potential, and urged for a commitment to rectify global financial and investment disparities.
