Cape Town, March 4 (NationPress) South African President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the need for enhanced energy integration throughout Africa to bolster the continent's security and diversification amidst the increasing volatility of global markets.

During his address at the Africa Energy Indaba 2026 in Cape Town, Ramaphosa pointed out that rising geopolitical tensions and disruptions in supply chains have intensified risks for African nations that depend on external energy sources, as reported by Xinhua News Agency.

"Africa is already feeling the consequences of the intensifying conflict in the Middle East, which has led to supply chain pressures and soaring energy costs," he remarked, highlighting how shifting geopolitical dynamics reveal the vulnerabilities of economies across Africa that rely on imports.

He further stated, "These vulnerabilities make a compelling case for both regional and continental energy security and diversification. There has never been a more opportune moment for Africa to enhance its energy resilience and sustainability."

Ramaphosa called on African nations to hasten the establishment of an integrated energy framework capable of facilitating power transmission across borders while balancing various resources such as hydropower, solar, wind, and gas. He asserted that a connected grid would enhance affordability, reliability, and industrial competitiveness.

"Our current objective is to construct a new type of energy system that unites Africa, enabling our economies to thrive in unison rather than in isolation," Ramaphosa added.

Despite the continent's rich resources of oil, gas, renewable energy, and critical minerals, over 600 million Africans still lack access to electricity. He characterized energy poverty as a significant impediment to industrialization and investment.

"The remaining challenge is to align our abundant potential with consistent implementation, transforming plans into actionable projects, and ultimately delivering reliable power that fosters industry, creates jobs, and upholds dignity," he stated, advocating for a transition from potential to tangible results.

Ramaphosa highlighted the Ten-Year Africa Energy Infrastructure Investment Plan, initiated under South Africa's Group of 20 presidency, as a crucial platform for mobilizing large-scale, coordinated financing. He noted that while public funds alone would not suffice, they could play a pivotal role in mitigating project risks and attracting private investment.

The Africa Energy Indaba, occurring from Tuesday to Thursday at the Cape Town International Convention Center under the theme "Igniting the Power Revolution," has attracted over 1,600 attendees from 37 African nations, including 15 energy ministers, alongside investors, regulators, and industry leaders seeking to enhance infrastructure alignment and investment mobilization.