Joseph Isangura
The President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has called for sweeping reforms in Africa’s electricity sector to address persistent energy challenges across the continent.
Speaking at the Africa Heads of State Summit in Dar es Salaam, Dr. Adesina highlighted the importance of creating a more efficient, transparent, and competitive system for procuring electricity services.
“Africa must reform its energy services,” he stated. “We need a procurement system that is fair, open, and competitive. At the same time, we must focus on affordable ways to produce and distribute energy to ensure it benefits everyone.”
Dr. Adesina stressed that reliable and affordable electricity is a cornerstone of economic growth and development. He lamented the fact that, despite Africa’s vast natural resources, energy shortages remain a significant barrier to progress.
“Africa is blessed with abundant solar, wind, hydropower, and geothermal energy resources,” he said. “It’s time to unlock this potential. Our sunshine should not just grow our crops but also power our homes. Our water resources must do more than quench our thirst; they should energize our industries.”
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The call for reforms comes at a crucial time as the continent grapples with rising energy demands driven by population growth and urbanization. Dr. Adesina urged stakeholders to act decisively, pointing out that strategic partnerships between the public and private sectors are essential to achieving sustainable energy solutions.
The African Development Bank has long championed energy initiatives on the continent, with its “New Deal on Energy for Africa” aiming to achieve universal electricity access by 2025. This initiative focuses on expanding renewable energy projects, improving efficiency, and attracting investments to the energy sector.
The summit, which gathered leaders from across Africa, provided a platform to discuss sustainable development strategies and economic integration. Dr. Adesina’s emphasis on energy reforms resonated with the broader goals of the meeting, underscoring the pivotal role electricity plays in advancing industrialization, education, and healthcare.
