Guterres: Africa can become a renewable energy superpower

Thursday 21 August 2025 - 13:09

By: Sahili Aya

Guterres: Africa can become a renewable energy superpower

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Thursday that Africa has the potential to become a “renewable energy superpower,” calling for increased investment in green energy across the continent.

“We must mobilize financing and technology so that Africa’s natural wealth benefits its people. We need to build a thriving foundation for renewable energy production across the continent,” Guterres said at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD).

Guterres emphasized Africa’s abundant resources, from solar and wind energy to critical minerals that drive new technologies. “Green energy in Africa lowers energy costs, diversifies supply chains, and accelerates decarbonization worldwide,” he added.

The conference, attended by around fifty African countries, also highlighted Japan’s efforts to position itself as an alternative partner to China, at a time when African nations face debt pressures and climate challenges. Over the past decade, China has heavily invested in infrastructure projects in Africa, including ports, railways, and roads.

Guterres warned that “debt must not stifle development” and stressed the need for increased financing and lending capacity from multilateral development banks.

Kenya’s President William Ruto announced negotiations with Toyota for the supply of 5,000 electric vehicles as part of his country’s commitment to clean energy. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba also outlined plans to train 30,000 people in artificial intelligence across Africa over three years and to explore an Africa-Japan economic partnership.

“Africa, with a median age of 19, is full of youthful energy. Strengthening the skills of young people and women and ensuring employment is key to making Africa the next growth hub,” Ishiba said.