Development (CAAID) under the theme “Energy and Water to Build Development”, Mr.Samson Bel-Aube Nougbodohoue , Head of Energy Information and Statistics at AFREC,, delivered a keynote on behalf of Mr. Rashid Ali Abdallah, Executive Director of AFREC, emphasizing the strategic role of energy and water as pillars of inclusive development and social stability in Africa.
Mr. Ngobozou Oyali Tiquaha highlighted the historic significance of Algeria’s hydrocarbon nationalization on February 24, noting that national sovereignty and control over natural resources are essential foundations for sustainable economic development.
African Union Vision: Agenda 2063 and Energy Integration
At the continental level, the African Union through Agenda 2063 has set a clear vision to build an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa led by its citizens. Energy lies at the heart of this transformation. Continental frameworks, including the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA), the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and emerging continental energy transition strategies, underscore the centrality of energy integration for Africa’s industrialization and competitiveness.
In this architecture, AFREC, as the African Union Specialized Agency for Energy Statistics, plays a strategic role. Energy sovereignty begins with data sovereignty: policies, negotiations, and investment require reliable and transparent statistics. Energy data strengthens:
- Policy credibility
- Investor confidence
- Regional coordination
- Monitoring of energy access
- Climate reporting
- Infrastructure planning
Energy and Water: Foundations of Stability and Growth
Mr. Ngobozou Oyali Tiquaha emphasized that energy drives industrialization and digital transformation, while water underpins food security, health, climate resilience, and social stability. Effectively managing the energy-water nexus is key to Africa’s sustainable development.
Africa’s Energy Transition: Pragmatic and Balanced
Africa possesses vast energy potential:
- 60% of the world’s best solar resources
- Significant hydropower capacity
- Substantial natural gas reserves
- Critical minerals for clean technologies
- Emerging green hydrogen opportunities
The challenge is transformation, which must be pragmatic, gradual, inclusive, economically realistic, and centered on universal access. Investments in renewables and energy efficiency must also ensure energy security, affordability, and industrial competitiveness.
Strategic Role of the Private Sector
Governments alone cannot finance Africa’s energy and water transformation. The private sector is a strategic partner. To unlock large-scale investment, Africa must:
- Strengthen regulatory predictability
- Improve data transparency
- Develop bankable projects
- Enhance regional market integration
- Reduce perceived investment risks
Mr. Ngobozou Oyali Tiquaha concluded by emphasizing that cooperation among governments, private sector, and youth is crucial to building a strong, prosperous, and sustainable Africa.
About CAAID
The Arab African Center for Investment and Development (CAAID) is a leading platform promoting investment, trade, and sustainable development across Africa and the Arab world, connecting entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and international organizations to foster inclusive economic growth.
