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Cyril Ramaphosa urges massive investment in Africa's renewable energy sector

Jan 22, 2026, 3:14 PM10
(Update: Jan 22, 2026, 3:14 PM)
President of South Africa since 2018
flag-carrier airline of South Africa
capital city of the United Arab Emirates

Cyril Ramaphosa urges massive investment in Africa's renewable energy sector

  • Cyril Ramaphosa participated in Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week to advocate for renewable energy investments in Africa.
  • He noted the significant opportunity to power 600 million people currently without electricity through Africa's mineral resources.
  • Ramaphosa concluded that climate action and economic growth can be mutually reinforcing, inviting investors to join in the continent's energy revolution.
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South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa made a compelling case for attracting investment in renewable energy during his participation in Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. The event, vital for discussions on global energy strategies, posed an opportunity for Ramaphosa to advocate for Africa's capabilities as a significant energy producer. He highlighted that approximately 600 million people in Africa lack access to electricity, presenting not just a challenge but a vast opportunity to enhance energy generation through the continent's rich mineral resources. Ramaphosa emphasized the need to process and add value to these minerals rather than merely exporting them as raw materials. He stated that this could transform Africa into a future energy exporter, promoting infrastructural development alongside energy generation. Notably, Parks Tau, South Africa's Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition, accompanied President Ramaphosa at the summit to advance South Africa's investment prospects and engage with potential investors from the United Arab Emirates. Throughout the discussions, Ramaphosa argued that climate action and economic growth are not opposing goals, but rather can support one another. He proposed that embracing clean energy strategies could lead to new economic opportunities, encouraging innovation and the establishment of new sectors within the economy. This perspective is increasingly recognized among nations that have undertaken climate action strategies, linking such initiatives with heightened economic growth. The summit fostered interactions between South African officials and companies in various energy sectors, not limited to renewables. They discussed partnerships in skills development and infrastructure projects, although no formal agreements were established at this stage. The approach to combining renewable energy investment with economic growth not only positions South Africa to lead in energy innovation but also paints a bright future for the African continent as it seeks to influence the global energy landscape.

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