{"id":2000130681,"date":"2026-10-28T20:50:05","date_gmt":"2026-10-28T18:50:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/?p=2000130681"},"modified":"2026-10-28T20:50:14","modified_gmt":"2026-10-28T18:50:14","slug":"isca-experts-call-for-stronger-african-cooperation-on-energy-security","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/isca-experts-call-for-stronger-african-cooperation-on-energy-security\/","title":{"rendered":"ISCA: Experts call for stronger African cooperation on energy security"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Speaking at the ISCA Discussion Series in Kigali on Tuesday, held under the theme \u201cContemporary Energy Dynamics and Strategic Options for Africa,\u201d participants said African countries needed to strengthen regional electricity connections, mobilise more financing for energy infrastructure and process more of their natural resources locally to reduce their vulnerability to international disruptions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Opening the discussion, ISCA Executive Director Amb. Lt Gen (Rtd) Frank Mushyo Kamanzi said Africa\u2019s energy resources had yet to translate into reliable and affordable supplies for millions of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAfrica\u2019s greatest energy challenge is not the scarcity of resources, but the ability to translate its abundant energy potential into energy security, industrial strength, economic resilience, and shared prosperity,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kamanzi noted that geopolitical tensions, armed conflicts, sanctions and supply-chain disruptions were reshaping global energy markets, with consequences for fuel prices, transport costs, food security and industrial production across Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He cited tensions affecting the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz as a reminder of the continent\u2019s exposure to external shocks. He called for diversified energy sources, resilient infrastructure, stronger domestic capabilities and greater regional cooperation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The discussion took place against the backdrop of the crisis affecting the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic maritime passage through which around a fifth of global oil supplies normally transit. Disruptions to shipping through the strait can affect oil markets and raise costs for countries dependent on imported fuel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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ISCA Executive Director Amb. Lt Gen (Rtd) Frank Mushyo Kamanzi speaks during a discussion that brought together African Union officials, government ministers and energy experts to explore Africa\u2019s energy security.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Energy security and Africa\u2019s wider security agenda<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Delivering the keynote address, African Union Commission Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security Ambassador Bankole Adeoye argued that energy should be treated as a core component of African security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur security in Africa must never be outsourced,\u201d Adeoye said, linking the continent\u2019s ability to control its security future to its management of natural resources and energy systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He described the impact of the Persian Gulf crisis on Africa through what he called the \u201cthree Fs: food, oil, and fertilizer,\u201d warning that shortages and rising prices could compound existing economic and security pressures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adeoye urged African countries to strengthen intra-African trade, regional energy cooperation, supply chains and strategic reserves. He also called for collective negotiations on critical minerals, greater local processing and stronger safeguards against the illicit exploitation of natural resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhere resources cross borders, cooperation is fundamental,\u201d he said, calling for faster electricity market integration, regional interconnections and alignment of regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He also proposed a standing energy security platform bringing together security institutions, energy regulators, private-sector actors and researchers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Africa needs more investment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sara Ibrahim Ahmed Elhag, Head of the Energy Division at the African Union Commission, highlighted the gap between Africa\u2019s population and the investment it attracts for clean energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAlthough Africa hosts around 20% of the world population, we receive only 2% of the investment in clean energy,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Elhag added that annual energy investment per capita stood at slightly more than $400 globally, compared with about $68 in Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She attributed the gap partly to the high cost of capital and perceptions of risk surrounding energy projects on the continent. She called for greater mobilisation of African resources, including pension funds, alongside innovative financing arrangements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe need to use African money to build Africa,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Elhag also urged governments to diversify their energy sources, strengthen domestic value chains and advance the African Single Electricity Market, which aims to connect national power systems and enable countries to trade electricity across borders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sara Ibrahim Ahmed Elhag, Head of the AUC Energy Division, said Africa receives just 2% of global clean energy investment despite hosting 20% of the world\u2019s population.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Rwanda and Oman pursue long-term fuel supply arrangements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Rwanda\u2019s Minister of Trade and Industry, Antoine Kajangwe, said the country was working to secure fuel supplies amid global market volatility, citing cooperation with Oman as part of its strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said the government was coordinating petroleum imports on behalf of the private sector and consumers to ensure continuity of supply and improve cost efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oman\u2019s Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, Eng. Said bin Hamoud Al Maawali, highlighted Rwanda\u2019s fuel supply arrangement with Oman as an example of how long-term agreements can reduce exposure to global market disruptions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLong term contracts is extremely important. It takes away vulnerability,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He also stressed the need to invest in ports, storage facilities and infrastructure for moving petroleum products, alongside developing domestic energy resources, to strengthen the security and reliability of supply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regional power links and local manufacturing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tanzania\u2019s Commissioner of Energy, Yusuph J. Msembele, outlined the importance of cross-border infrastructure in improving electricity access and making better use of generation capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said Tanzania had installed generation capacity of about 4.6 gigawatts following the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project. However, transmission constraints can limit the ability to move electricity to where it is needed or trade it with neighbouring countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The discussion featured panel sessions bringing together African Union officials, government ministers and energy experts to explore ways to strengthen Africa\u2019s energy security and regional cooperation.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Msembele pointed to the operational Tanzania-Kenya interconnection and ongoing work on the Tanzania-Zambia link, alongside studies involving other neighbouring countries, as part of wider efforts to connect regional power markets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alice Uwase, CEO of the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board, said African countries needed to cooperate more closely to attract investment in mineral processing and battery manufacturing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe negotiate as a country, we don’t negotiate as a region,\u201d she said, arguing that countries could become more attractive to manufacturers by combining their mineral resources and developing regional supply chains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Uwase also stressed that mineral processing requires dependable electricity and supporting industries, including chemical production, if African countries are to move beyond exporting raw materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jonathan Shafer, managing director of Fortis Green Renewables, estimated that reaching universal electricity access would require an additional $135 billion in investment between now and 2035, equivalent to about $15 billion annually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The discussions highlighted a central challenge for Africa: translating its substantial energy and mineral resources into reliable power, industrial capacity and economic opportunities. Participants called for stronger regional connections, increased investment and closer cooperation to reduce exposure to global disruptions and ensure more of the continent\u2019s resources support its own development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
The ISCA Discussion Series in Kigali brought together African Union officials, government ministers, energy experts and private-sector representatives to discuss strategies for strengthening Africa\u2019s energy security, expanding regional cooperation and mobilising investment in energy infrastructure.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Opening the discussion, ISCA Executive Director Amb. Lt Gen (Rtd) Frank Mushyo Kamanzi said Africa\u2019s energy resources had yet to translate into reliable and affordable supplies for millions of people.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Rwanda\u2019s Minister of Trade and Industry, Antoine Kajangwe, said the country was working to secure fuel supplies amid global market volatility, citing cooperation with Oman as part of its strategy.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Oman\u2019s Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, Eng. Said bin Hamoud Al Maawali, highlighted Rwanda\u2019s fuel supply arrangement with Oman as an example of how long-term agreements can reduce exposure to global market disruptions.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Alice Uwase, CEO of the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board, said African countries needed to cooperate more closely to attract investment in mineral processing.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Jonathan Shafer, managing director of Fortis Green Renewables, estimated that reaching universal electricity access would require an additional $135 billion in investment between now and 2035, equivalent to about $15 billion annually.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Experts and policymakers at the International Security Conference on Africa (ISCA) have called for stronger cooperation among African countries to improve energy security, reduce dependence on external supplies and shield their economies from global geopolitical shocks.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":131,"featured_media":2000130711,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"archived_slugs":[],"footnotes":"","igh_game_id":0},"categories":[8],"tags":[151,69],"byline":[192],"hashtag":[],"class_list":["post-2000130681","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business","tag-editors-choice","tag-homehighlights","byline-wycliffe-nyamasege"],"bylines":[{"id":192,"name":"Wycliffe Nyamasege","slug":"wycliffe-nyamasege","description":"","image":{"id":2000122456,"url":"https:\/\/cdn.igihe.com\/en\/2026\/08\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-08-14-at-11.58.47-AM.jpeg","title":"WhatsApp Image 2026-08-14 at 11.58.47 AM","mime_type":"image\/jpeg"},"user_id":131,"twitter_handle":""}],"contributors":[{"id":192,"name":"Wycliffe Nyamasege","slug":"wycliffe-nyamasege","description":"","image":{"id":2000122456,"url":"https:\/\/cdn.igihe.com\/en\/2026\/08\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-08-14-at-11.58.47-AM.jpeg","title":"WhatsApp Image 2026-08-14 at 11.58.47 AM","mime_type":"image\/jpeg"},"user_id":131,"twitter_handle":""}],"featured_image":{"id":2000130711,"url":"https:\/\/cdn.igihe.com\/en\/2026\/10\/000A2276-scaled.jpg","alt":"","caption":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","width":2560,"height":1706,"sizes":{"thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/cdn.igihe.com\/en\/2026\/10\/000A2276-150x150.jpg","width":150,"height":150},"medium":{"url":"https:\/\/cdn.igihe.com\/en\/2026\/10\/000A2276-300x200.jpg","width":300,"height":200},"medium_large":{"url":"https:\/\/cdn.igihe.com\/en\/2026\/10\/000A2276-768x512.jpg","width":768,"height":512},"large":{"url":"https:\/\/cdn.igihe.com\/en\/2026\/10\/000A2276-1024x683.jpg","width":1024,"height":683},"full":{"url":"https:\/\/cdn.igihe.com\/en\/2026\/10\/000A2276-scaled.jpg","width":2560,"height":1706}}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2000130681","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/131"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2000130681"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2000130681\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2000130735,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2000130681\/revisions\/2000130735"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2000130711"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2000130681"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2000130681"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2000130681"},{"taxonomy":"byline","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/byline?post=2000130681"},{"taxonomy":"hashtag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/hashtag?post=2000130681"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}