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.”