Friday 21st November 2025
by inAfrika Newsroom
The G20 Africa energy forum opened in Johannesburg on Friday with a focus on cutting risk in African power projects. Organisers said the G20 Africa energy forum would spotlight guarantees, blended finance and clearer rules to move stalled schemes toward construction. Delegations arrived from Southern, West and East Africa, as well as G20 partner states.
Panels hosted by the African Energy Chamber looked at how to draw in pension funds and sovereign-wealth money. Speakers discussed partial-risk guarantees, standard contract templates and regional power-trade deals that can back large plants and cross-border lines. South Africa used the platform to pitch new generation and transmission plans. Neighbouring states promoted gas-to-power projects and interconnectors that could stabilise grids across shared pools.
Participants also listed problems that still hold investors back. They cited slow permits, currency swings and unclear tariff paths. Several urged governments to publish long-term energy plans and impose strict timelines on approvals. Organisers said a final note with project and policy recommendations would go to G20 and African Union structures after the meeting closes.
The direction set at the G20 Africa energy forum will shape how fast African homes and firms move from chronic power cuts to stable, affordable electricity. Lower risk can unlock longer-term capital for grids, gas networks and big solar or wind parks that serve many countries at once. That shift reduces reliance on diesel generators and harmful indoor fuels and cuts costs for factories, hospitals and schools. Cheaper and cleaner energy also supports local supply chains and new jobs in construction, maintenance and services. If governments keep contracts transparent and debt levels under control, they gain a better chance to build resilient power systems without repeating past crises.
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