The Second Africa Climate Summit: A New Era in Energy Access and Transition
At the heart of the Second Africa Climate Summit (ASC2) in Addis Ababa, a significant milestone was reached. The African Union (AU), together with the European Union (EU) and Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), launched two flagship programmes aimed at redefining energy access and facilitating a just green transition across the continent. The Continental Energy Programme in Africa (CEPA) and ENGAGE – Engaging for Africa’s Green Energy Transition, were officially unveiled during a high-level plenary session held on September 8, under the theme, “Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges: Toward One Integrated Electricity Market Across Africa.”
The Vision Behind CEPA and ENGAGE
Both CEPA and ENGAGE emerge as practical outcomes of a long-standing partnership—25 years in the making—between the AU and the EU, as highlighted by the joint #AUEU25 campaign. These programmes aim to accelerate the implementation of the African Single Electricity Market (AfSEM) and the Continental Power Systems Masterplan (CMP), which are cornerstone elements of the AU’s Agenda 2063. This ambitious agenda seeks to create a fully integrated, cross-border electricity market that spans all AU Member States.
CEPA and ENGAGE are critical tools to bolster the AfSEM’s objectives. They focus on universal access to energy, expediting integration across borders, and fostering green industrialization. The CMP envisions the creation of the world’s largest interconnected power market by 2040, supported by competitive cross-border trade that will enhance Africa’s renewable resource capabilities.
Statements from Leaders: A Unified Call to Action
Dr. Kamugisha Kazaura, speaking on behalf of the African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, shared a compelling vision for Africa’s energy future. He stated, “Africa’s energy future is built on vision, concrete roadmaps, and vast opportunities. With AfSEM and the Continental Power Systems Masterplan at the core, Africa is ready to attract investments that will deliver reliable, affordable, and clean energy to our citizens.” His words underscore the importance of strong partnerships and strategic planning to achieve these goals.
Further emphasizing this shared vision, H.E. Nardos Bekele Thomas, CEO of AUDA NEPAD, remarked, “The Second Africa Climate Summit comes at a pivotal moment as Africa moves from planning to implementation of its most ambitious energy initiatives.” Her statement reinforces the urgency and significance of executing the AfSEM and CMP to unlock Africa’s renewable energy potential.
H.E. Teresa Ribera, the European Commission Executive Vice-President for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, added that these initiatives are not merely technical tools but represent strategic pillars of the AU’s Agenda 2063. She articulated the need for a cohesive and integrated electricity market as a transformative step to unite the continent’s diverse resources and empower its communities.
The Promise of Renewable Energy
Dr. Bärbel Kofler, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, highlighted the transformative nature of the AfSEM. She pointed out that renewable energies are the least-cost option for the 600 million people in Africa who currently lack electricity access. By integrating energy markets, investments can become less risky and more lucrative, benefiting both Africa and Europe in their shared pursuit of a green transition.
Complementary technical sessions during the ASC2 agenda spotlighted AfSEM and CMP as vital instruments for advancing climate-smart and integrated power systems throughout the continent. The necessity of mobilizing political, technical, and financial support was reiterated, laying the groundwork for enhanced energy market integration, reliability, and renewable energy deployment.
Partnerships that Make a Difference
Over the last decade, the African Union has collaborated with Team Europe, comprised of EU institutions and member states, to set the foundation for Africa’s energy integration. Germany play a central role in advancing green energy goals, helping to develop strategies and action plans under the vision of “One Electricity Market for Africa.”
Yet the challenge remains significant. With over 600 million people in Africa lacking electricity, the continent faces a pressing need for sustainable energy solutions. At the same time, electricity demand is anticipated to nearly double by 2040. However, Africa holds incredible potential, with projections indicating that the continent’s generation capacity could rise from 266 GW in 2023 to over 1,200 GW by 2040, and renewables could constitute nearly 64% of this energy mix.
The Role of CEPA and ENGAGE in Investment Mobilization
CEPA and ENGAGE aim to create a nurturing environment for public and private investments in renewable energy, cross-border transmission, and energy efficiency. Together, these initiatives are pivotal components of the Africa–EU Green Energy Initiative (AEGEI), a flagship of the EU’s Global Gateway Africa–Europe Investment Package, which is mobilizing €150 billion towards a strong, inclusive, green, and digital Africa.
Looking Ahead: Integrating Energy for Transformation
The ASC2, organized by the African Union Commission (AUC) and AUDA-NEPAD, the European Union, and Germany’s BMZ, served as a vital platform to review progress in energy integration efforts and address implementation challenges. As the AU and EU reaffirm their commitment to building an integrated electricity market for Africa, these discussions are foundational to achieving broader climate goals, including commitments to the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals. Together, they aspire to triple renewable capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030.
In this transformative moment for Africa, the launch of CEPA and ENGAGE serves as a beacon of hope and progress in the quest for sustainable and equitable energy solutions across the continent.
