SADC Participates in 26th Africa Energy Forum in Barcelona
The Southern African Development Community (SADC), represented by Executive Secretary H.E. Mr. Elias M. Magosi, took part in the 26th Africa Energy Forum (AEF) in Barcelona, Spain, from June 25-28, 2024.
Under the theme “Energy Systems of the Future – Balancing Africa’s Needs with Global Goals,” the Forum aimed to foster discussions on transformative energy changes and opportunities.
The event gathered representatives from nearly 90 countries, including SADC Member States such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
The forum featured exhibitions from energy technology manufacturers, EPC companies, power utilities, multilateral development banks, DFIs, fund managers, and commercial banks.
H.E. Magosi participated in a side event organized by the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) and the Climate Fund Managers (CFM), focusing on the Regional Transmission Infrastructure Financing Facility (RTIFF).
Approved by the SADC Council of Ministers in March 2023, RTIFF aims to support the development of transmission interconnector projects to enhance intra-regional power trading and alleviate transmission congestion. Magosi emphasized the importance of accelerating RTIFF activities and designing it to meet SADC’s needs.
SADC’s delegation also attended sessions on advancing gas projects and promoting natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as clean cooking fuels. They highlighted the importance of gas in addressing energy poverty and emphasized that Africa’s Just Energy Transition should prioritize energy access.
At a UK Department of Business and Trade event, Magosi urged UK-based EPC companies to support energy infrastructure projects in the SADC region. He emphasized reliable energy’s critical role in industrialization, mineral beneficiation, and improving livelihoods, while also discussing regulatory reforms to unlock private sector funding.
In a high-level roundtable, Magosi shared insights from the Lobito Corridor project, promoting cross-border trade and local value-addition in vehicle battery production. He also discussed regional integration efforts, cross-border electricity trading, and the need for support from cooperating partners for energy projects.
The AEF 2024 facilitated exclusive roundtable sessions, bilateral engagements with multilateral development banks, DFIs, and agencies, focusing on energy transition and technological advancements. SADC Member States held dedicated sessions inviting investors to support national energy programs.
The African Energy Forum, organized by Energynet Limited, rotates globally to connect African countries with energy sector investors. The next forum will be held in Cape Town, South Africa, in June 2025.
Source: SADC
