Johannesburg: President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the billions pledged to expand renewable energy across Africa, while emphasising that the real test will lie in implementation and in ensuring that the funds are spent on the right people.
According to South African Government News Agency, President Ramaphosa highlighted that the initial funding is just the beginning, stressing the importance of realizing these pledges. He expressed a desire to see the money being actively spent within Africa to fulfill the aspirations of its people. The President made these remarks at the Global Citizen Scaling Up Renewables in Africa event in Johannesburg, attended by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans, ahead of the G20 Leaders' Summit.
The event witnessed commitments amounting to £15.5 billion from various governments, development institutions, and private-sector partners. These commitments are directed towards generating nearly 27 gigawatts of renewable power and enhancing electricity access for millions of households across Africa. The gathering marked the culmination of a year-long effort under South Africa's G20 Presidency to highlight Africa's energy priorities on the global stage.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a significant £7 billion Team Europe pledge, emphasizing Europe's support for Africa. President Ramaphosa noted that these commitments demonstrate renewed global confidence in Africa's energy potential, aligning with the G20 theme of Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability.
South Africa has already installed over 17 gigawatts of renewable energy and aims to increase this to 45 GW by 2035, following its Just Energy Transition Investment Plan and Renewable Energy Masterplan. The President underscored the importance of ensuring that the energy transition benefits workers, communities, and entrepreneurs, while warning that pledges alone do not build power plants or expand access.
He emphasized that Africa's renewable energy transformation must focus on community ownership and local benefits, ensuring that households across the continent are the primary beneficiaries. Ramaphosa called for discipline, partnership, and commitment to action, with African ownership at the core of this energy revolution.
The President stressed the need for investment to strengthen local capabilities, ensuring that future renewable energy projects are driven by local skills, manufacturing, and innovation. He highlighted that scaling renewables across Africa is crucial for inclusive economic development.
Concluding with optimism, President Ramaphosa urged global partners to stay engaged, expressing gratitude to those who have pledged support, and calling on everyone to join in Africa's rise.