“Mind the Gap” : Is the energy transition affordable for Africa?

Many African countries have set out ambitious proposals for transitioning to a lower-carbon energy system, particularly through expansion of renewable energy.  Although energy technologies are readily available at competitive prices,  many large-scale renewable programmes across Africa – e.g. Desert Power, Renew Africa – are not generating sufficient access to power, and the speed of implementing such programmes remains low.

• Is there sufficient clarity on the roadmap and policies required to power Africa?

• Is there a cohesive view amongst energy stakeholders on the Africa Energy Transition strategy?

• How can stakeholders consider the affordability gap for Africans – i.e. how do we finance Africa’s energy transition and roll out renewables?

Moderator: James Mackay, Director, PwC

Panellists: Ishmael Chioko, Chairman, African Forum for Utility Regulators

Simon Hodson, CEO, Gridworks

Eluma Obibuaku, Senior Vice President, Power, Africa Finance Corporation