Sustainable energy needs buy-in from every sector

If Africa wants to see energy
flow from the Cape to Cairo in
an accessible and sustainable
manner, the continent will have
to create more involvement and
partnerships with governments,
the private sector and ordinary
citizens alike.
Speaking at the Energy
Conference in Sandton last
week, Brian Statham, chairman
of the South African National
Energy Association (Sanea),
said Africa had more than
enough energy sources to satisfy
its demand over the next 40
years, but the challenge lay in
developing these resources and
getting them to where they are
needed most.
“Cooperation will be key to
achieve this, but it will have to
be a joint accountability. This
is not just about governments
and the private sector working
together, but about every citizen
doing whatever they can to
ensure that energy is released.”
Statham said for continued
energy supply it was necessary to
ensure high levels of government
engagement as well as securing
private sector involvement in a
robust and creative manner.
“Africa has vast and diverse
energy opportunities and
potential. We must find ways
of delving into that and
harnessing it for the greater good
of the continent.”