KIGALI, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- Officials have called for reliable and affordable energy to drive industrial growth, create jobs and strengthen Africa's economic resilience, thereby advancing the continent's peace, development and shared prosperity.
The call was made on Wednesday during the International Security Conference on Africa (ISCA) Discussion Series on contemporary energy dynamics and strategic options for Africa in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.
Speaking at the meeting, African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security Bankole Adeoye highlighted the central role of reliable energy in advancing Africa's peace, security and development agenda.
"In the Africa we want, energy equals security. Reliable energy can power industries, create jobs, expand opportunities for our youth and strengthen the foundations of peace, development and shared prosperity," he said.
Frank Mushyo Kamanzi, executive director of ISCA, underscored the importance of translating Africa's vast energy potential into stronger industries, resilient economies and greater opportunities for its people.
"Africa has the resources, the potential and the ambition to shape a stronger energy future. By turning our abundant energy potential into reliable power, industrial growth and greater economic opportunity, we can build more resilient economies and create shared prosperity for generations to come," he said.
Speaking at the session dubbed "Understanding Contemporary Energy Dynamics and Implications for Africa," Antoine Kajangwe, Rwanda's minister of trade and industry, highlighted the importance of diversifying Africa's energy mix to strengthen resilience and support long-term industrial development.
"Africa must continue investing in other energy sources, including hydro, solar and wind, depending on the resources available in each country. The objective should be to create an energy system that is diversified, resilient and capable of supporting sustained industrial growth," he said.
The high-level discussion, organized by ISCA, brought together policymakers, practitioners, academics and key stakeholders to examine shifting global energy dynamics, assess their implications for Africa and explore the continent's strategic choices.
The one-day conference focused on assessing contemporary energy dynamics and their implications for Africa, examining the factors affecting Africa's energy security, access and affordability, and exploring strategic options for strengthening the continent's energy security, resilience and economic development.
