The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has set its sights on expanding renewable energy, improving energy efficiency and boosting electricity access across Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030.
Meeting in Ekurhuleni, South Africa, for the first of a four-day Joint Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Electricity and Water, regional leaders are also prioritising stronger energy security and improved water management.
Despite the region’s vast natural resources, SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration, Angele Makombo N’tumba, says much more must be done to unlock their full potential.
“Since I was a child, I’ve been hearing about the Inga Project, which can actually provide electricity not only to the SADC region, but to the entire continent. But look where we are now. Only 35% of our SADC population has access to electricity. This is not acceptable. Without energy, we cannot industrialise. Companies cannot operate, we cannot manufacture goods, so we really need to move faster to boost that.”
–SABC/ChannelAfrica–
