Emilia Cedar Palm Akuma, President of the Africa Energy Technology Centre (AETC), called for urgent collaboration among African governments, investors, and industry leaders. She delivered her address at the AETC 2026 conference in Accra. Her statement highlighted the need to fast-track Africa's energy transformation and deepen intra-African trade.
This transformation should leverage technology, sustainability, and climate action. Africa must move beyond mere discussions. It needs deliberate steps to build integrated energy systems. These systems will drive industrialisation and economic growth across the continent.
This initiative responds to significant challenges in Africa's economic landscape. Despite possessing over 125 billion barrels of oil and nearly 18 trillion cubic metres of natural gas, 600 million Africans lack electricity. Intra-African trade sits below 20% compared to a single market of 1.4 billion people with a GDP over $3 trillion. These deficits stem from poor coordination, inadequate infrastructure, and limited political will.
Madam Akuma stressed that Africa's future relies on harmonising energy infrastructure, technology, and trade policies. This view was part of the conference theme, “From Borders to Bridges: Driving Intra-African Trade and Development through Energy Technology, Sustainability, and Climate Action.” The AETC president noted Africa's huge energy resources, including 40% of the world’s renewable energy potential. Yet, poor coordination hinders development.
The AETC President announced three key initiatives to tackle these issues. The Youth Energy Entrepreneurship & Incubation Program will support young African entrepreneurs. It will also prepare green technology startups for investment. The second initiative is Africa’s first Smart Energy Technology Hub in Ghana. This hub will develop technical skills, foster innovation, and advance local content in the energy sector. Third, the Africa Solar Prosumer Initiative will decentralise energy production. It will allow households, businesses, and factories to generate and consume clean energy using smart solar technologies.
Madam Akuma also highlighted the importance of using existing oil and gas resources during the green transition. Integrating Artificial Intelligence, IoT-enabled predictive maintenance systems, and carbon-capture technologies can significantly cut emissions. It can also eliminate gas flaring and improve operational efficiency in the hydrocarbon industry. Africa does not need to choose between energy security and environmental sustainability; technology allows for both, she insisted.
She urged participants to see Africa as a single, integrated energy and technology ecosystem. She called for harmonised regulations across African countries. This will attract private investment into regional energy projects. The AETC 2026 conference will end on Thursday, May 21. Madam Akuma expressed hope it would mark a turning point for Africa’s energy and industrial transformation.