
African leaders have gathered in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, for a summit focused on unlocking the continent’s energy potential and accelerating access to electricity for its population.
The summit, which continues through January 28th, brings together heads of state, government leaders, and private sector representatives to address the critical need for increased energy access across Africa.
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), emphasized the crucial role of energy in driving economic growth and job creation.
He stressed that universal electricity access is not only essential for development but also critical for addressing migration challenges.
“Even insects migrate from darkness to light,” Adesina said, highlighting the importance of providing energy access to all parts of the continent.
The summit will focus on adopting the Dar es Salaam Declaration and the Africa Energy Compact, frameworks that will guide energy investments and reforms over the next five years.
This summit underscores the urgent need for increased investment in Africa’s energy sector to support economic growth, improve livelihoods, and address the continent’s development challenges.