According to South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy, Samantha Graham-Maré, Africa’s renewable energy sector presents a “defining opportunity” for the continent to harness its vast resources to drive re-industrialisation, create dignified jobs for youth, and develop new skills.
Speaking at a side event of the G20 4th Energy Transitions Working Group meetings, she highlighted that Africa holds 60% of the world’s best solar resources, significant wind potential, and many critical minerals essential for the global clean energy economy.
Graham-Maré emphasized that beyond resources, Africa’s greatest asset is its people, young, innovative, and ready to build. She explained that leveraging solar and wind energy could support the production of green steel, electric mobility components, hydrogen derivatives, and other equipment for the energy transition, while ensuring inclusive growth through job creation, support for small businesses, and community benefit sharing.