Catalysts for Change: Hon. Olivier Kabera on Africa’s Path to Sustainable Energy

Hon. Olivier KABERA, Minister of State in the Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA), emphasized that energy is not just a commodity but a catalyst for development, innovation, and social equity in Africa and that energy access is a crucial pillar for achieving Africa’s 2050 vision.

He made the statement on November 4, 2024, during the launch of the inaugural Africa Energy Expo and Leadership Summit in Kigali, Rwanda. The November 4-6 summit, organized by Informa Markets, which is themed ‘Investments, Integration, Infrastructure, and Governance to Fuel the Energy Transition’, brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from Africa and globally to accelerate partnerships and actions for a fair, equitable energy transition.

Hon. Kabera highlighted the importance of the summit in addressing the continent’s significant challenges in sustainable energy development, despite its vast natural resources.

He said, “This summit is timely and significant as we navigate one of the greatest challenges and opportunities facing our continent, which is sustainable energy development. Africa holds immense natural wealth, yet we face challenges in meeting the energy needs of our rapidly growing populations and dynamic economies.”

He stressed the importance of collaborative action and innovative solutions at the summit for unlocking Africa’s full energy potential, emphasizing the need for a united approach in Africa’s journey towards universal electrification.

“We believe energy is not merely a commodity but a catalyst for development, innovation, and social equity. But our progress is only part of the broader picture of African energy aspirations. Energy access is a critical pillar in achieving Africa’s vision for 2050,” said Hon. Kabera.

Kabera emphasized the urgent need for a summit to address the energy crisis in Africa, where approximately 43% of the population, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, lacks access to electricity. He urged for innovative solutions to bridge the equity gap in energy access across the continent.

One of the exhibitors who participated in this Expo, Fiona UMUTONI, the Product Development Manager at Electro Cook Ltd, believes that the Expo will increase awareness of new clean energy solutions across all sectors, including cooking and electricity. It will also allow companies to reach a wider audience and industry partners at one location, allowing them to meet with more people in the same sector, learn from each other, and grow from their experiences. This will benefit both attendees and companies in the industry.

She stated that Electro Cook Ltd specializes in clean cooking and offers electric pressure cookers. They have supplied EPCs to all regions in Rwanda, primarily in the northern and eastern parts, and are now expanding to the south and west markets due to fewer customers in those areas.

She mentioned partnering with REG and other companies to provide programs like Nkunganire, a result-based subsidy, which has made products more affordable and accessible to rural areas, thereby expanding their reach and reaching a wider audience.

Ade Yesufu, Exhibition Director, at Informa Markets, emphasized the significance of the event as a turning point for Africa’s energy landscape. With 1.4 billion people, half of whom lack reliable power, the summit aims to empower African solutions to energy challenges. Yesufu highlighted the importance of harnessing the continent’s abundant resources and innovative technologies to overcome energy poverty, fostering economic growth and social development.

The three-day summit serves as a collaborative platform for exploring solutions to extend electricity access, promote renewable energy, and invest in resilient power infrastructure. Discussions will focus on innovative financing mechanisms and partnerships between governments, the private sector, and international organizations to accelerate Africa’s energy transition. With exhibitors from 16 countries and participation from around 5,000 energy professionals, the event promises extensive networking opportunities and access to cutting-edge energy solutions.