WEC lays out building blocks of energy security at African Presidential Roundtable

 

 

A visionary strategy will enable full stakeholder adherence, more engaged and farsighted leadership, and stronger government commitment towards sustainable energy policies and frameworks, which are some of the basics needed for achieving energy security for Africa, the WEC told the recent African Presidential Roundtable 2012, held in Johannesburg, South Africa, on 23–25 May.

Dr Latsoucabé Fall, WEC Manager Africa Region, spoke to an audience of 200 public and private sector leaders and more than 90 academics from American and African universities about the energy challenges and opportunities for Africa, and what is needed to achieve energy security.

“Developing the huge energy resources in a sustainable way would address the challenges and offer competitive advantages and enormous opportunities for the region,” Dr Fall said.

He added that energy security also requires diversification of energy sources and market players; greater regional and international cooperation and integration; deploying accurate information on energy systems; and developing the necessary skills and technical workforce through promoting education, research and training capacities within the continent.

His conclusions are based on the global and regional findings of the WEC’s most recent World Energy Issues Monitor, a survey of energy leaders’ views of the world’s current and emerging energy trends.  It has identified energy prices, energy poverty and affordability, Middle East and North Africa dynamics, renewable energy, and energy efficiency as the top issues keeping energy leaders awake at night.

The 2012 Roundtable, with the theme “21st Century Energy Agenda for Africa”, focused on how ensuring energy security – and clarifying how governments, institutions, and individuals can help fulfil that goal – can help drive the sustainable development of Africa.  The Roundtable, now in its 10th year, was attended by former African heads of state and government, diplomats, industry leaders and international dignitaries. Students and faculties from Africa and the US attended as observers.  The African Presidential Archives and Research Center (APARC) of Boston University, US, organised the gathering, which took place at the University of Witwatersrand.