Africa must shift its energy transition strategy away from dependence on aid and toward building investor confidence, speakers at the Wider African Energy Summit (WAES) said on Wednesday, warning that the continent’s rising energy demand will outpace current plans unless governments create clearer, more bankable projects.
Africa’s energy consumption is projected to quadruple by 2040, driven by rapid population growth and expanding industries. But despite the scale of the challenge, experts at the summit said investors remain wary due to inconsistent policies, slow reforms and limited project visibility.
Johann Jansen Rensburg, Director for Sub-Saharan Africa at energy services firm NOV, said Africa’s transition will only succeed if governments stop framing it as a charity case.
“Africa does not need charity; it needs confidence,” Rensburg told delegates. “Everyone knows Africa has the resources. Investors want clarity, policies that stick, and projects they can trust.”
Rensburg said the continent faces a different transition challenge from wealthier economies. Instead of cutting consumption, Africa must expand access to electricity, which remains unreliable for millions.
“Africa’s issue isn’t over-consumption but energy poverty,” he said. “The future is energy addition, not substitution.’’
Tanmay Sarkar, Global MWS Lead at Global Maritime, said there is no single template for African countries to follow.
“There is no fit-for-all solution. Local conditions matter, and Africa needs more energy, not less,” Sarkar said.
Technology Firms Seen as Key Enablers
Speakers said technology companies could help bridge Africa’s current dependence on hydrocarbons with its longer-term ambition to grow renewable energy. NOV said its experience in the oil sector positions it to support hybrid systems that combine natural gas with renewable technologies.
“We can bridge hydrocarbon production and renewable energy systems,” Rensburg said. “Africa needs smarter systems, not copy-and-paste solutions.”
Local Participation Still Weak
Sarkar stressed that a successful transition must include local companies and workers, arguing that foreign-led projects without domestic involvement often fail to last.
“Training local people and integrating them into operations is essential,” he said.
A UK–Africa Dialogue on Energy
The summit, hosted in partnership with the African Energy Chamber, brought together investors and policymakers from the UK and across Africa to examine the continent’s energy transition needs, financing gaps and technology opportunities.
Delegates warned that without coordinated action and stronger investor signals, Africa risks widening its energy deficit even as demand accelerates.
