Revisiting the Africa-Paris Declaration: Progress, Challenges, and the Path Forward for African Energy.

Wednesday, 29th January 2025.

The Africa-Paris Declaration remains a defining pillar in Africa’s pursuit of sustainable energy solutions. Introduced at the 2024 Invest in African Energy Forum, it set ambitious targets aimed at expanding access to clean, affordable, and reliable power. The declaration continues to shape Africa’s energy transition by addressing the pressing issue of energy poverty and fostering investment in critical energy infrastructure. As the 2025 forum approaches, industry leaders are assessing the progress made, the challenges that persist, and the strategies required to realize Africa’s energy ambitions.

Since its adoption, the declaration has attracted strong global engagement, with international investors, development banks, and private equity firms intensifying their commitment to Africa’s energy sector. The establishment of the Africa Energy Bank by the African Export-Import Bank and the African Petroleum Producers Organization marked a significant milestone, providing a dedicated financial institution to support African energy projects. The completion of final investment decisions on major projects, including Shell’s multibillion-dollar deepwater development, reflects a growing confidence in Africa’s energy potential. New production-sharing contracts in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon demonstrate how global partnerships are unlocking opportunities for exploration and production across the continent.

Natural gas has emerged as a central component of Africa’s transition toward a low-carbon energy future. The past year has seen notable developments in gas exploration and liquefied natural gas exports, reinforcing the role of natural gas as a bridge between traditional fossil fuels and renewable energy. Landmark projects, including the commencement of production at Senegal’s Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG site and the Republic of Congo’s first LNG exports to Italy, illustrate the sector’s rapid expansion. Nigeria’s approval of its floating LNG construction and Angola’s successful gas connection project further highlight Africa’s growing role in the global natural gas market. These advancements not only support energy security but also contribute to economic growth by creating employment opportunities and strengthening infrastructure.

Momentum for renewable energy continues to build across the continent, with South Africa, Egypt, and Morocco leading the charge in wind and solar power development. The transition remains hindered by high capital costs, inadequate grid infrastructure, and regulatory constraints. Expanding off-grid and mini-grid solutions will be crucial to reaching underserved communities, particularly in rural areas where centralized grid expansion is impractical.

Despite these advancements, significant investment hurdles remain. Large-scale energy projects continue to face financing challenges due to high capital costs and perceived investment risks. While public-private partnerships have increased, additional efforts are needed to create an enabling environment that attracts long-term private-sector investment. Strengthening regulatory frameworks is crucial for building investor confidence, requiring governments to ensure transparent licensing, efficient permitting processes, and effective enforcement mechanisms.

With the 2025 Invest in African Energy Forum on the horizon, industry leaders will use the platform to reaffirm commitments, showcase achievements, and develop solutions to remaining challenges. The Africa-Paris Declaration provides a structured framework for collective action, setting the stage for Africa’s emergence as a leader in energy innovation and sustainability. The path to universal energy access remains long, but with the right investments, policy reforms, and political will, Africa has the potential to transform its energy landscape and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.