By Philip Antoh
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, has issued a powerful rallying cry to African nations, urging them to seize control of their energy destiny and break free from outdated economic models.
Speaking passionately at the opening of the 2025 Africa Energy Technology Conference (AETC) in Accra, Jinapor emphasized that the time for change is now, calling for a shift from mere extraction to an era of innovation driven by local efforts.
Under the compelling theme, “Innovate, Invest, Implement: Revolutionised Financing for Sustainable Energy Sector Growth in Africa,” the Minister wasted no time in dismantling the continent’s long-standing reliance on exporting raw materials only to import finished energy products.
“This model has failed, and expecting different outcomes is no longer viable,” he declared, pushing for a future rooted in innovation, local ownership, and inclusive energy development, all underpinned by robust policy.
A Continent in Darkness: The Stark Reality
Jinapor painted a grim picture of energy poverty across Africa, highlighting that over 600 million people, with a staggering 80% residing in rural areas, still live without access to electricity.
He delivered a sobering warning: without reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy, Africa’s aspirations for economic growth and social advancement will remain severely curtailed.
However, the Minister offered glimmers of hope, pointing to countries like Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire as beacons of positive change. Ghana, he noted, is on track to connect 150 off-grid communities with solar solutions and is strategically deploying all-in-one solar street lights.
This innovative initiative, he explained, aims to slash nighttime peak energy demand by a significant 300 megawatts, potentially leading to “significant savings” for the nation.
No More Double Standards: Jinapor Confronts Global Powers
While reaffirming his unwavering commitment to renewable energy, Jinapor did not shy away from confronting what he described as unrealistic global expectations for Africa’s energy transition.
In a pointed critique, he slammed the double standards exhibited by global powers, particularly as some Western nations revive coal and nuclear projects while simultaneously discouraging similar pathways for African development.
“The transition must be fair,” he asserted firmly. “Africa should be allowed to industrialize using affordable baseload energy.”
Financing Africa’s Future: A Call for Independence
The Energy Minister underscored the critical importance of cultivating robust African financial markets capable of independently funding energy projects.
This, he stressed, is essential to avoid exploitative conditions often imposed by external lenders.
“The full capitalization of the African Energy Bank must be a top priority,” he urged, sending a clear message about the need for financial sovereignty.
Youth, Women, and Accountability: Cornerstones of Progress
In a powerful acknowledgment of untapped potential, Jinapor placed youth and women at the very heart of Africa’s impending energy revolution.
He described them as the continent’s “greatest untapped resources.” Furthermore, he issued a stern call for transparency and accountability to eradicate the pervasive corruption and inefficiency that have plagued energy sectors across the continent.
With a blend of characteristic humor and gravitas, Jinapor formally welcomed delegates on behalf of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, playfully noting that he had been “temporarily granted presidential powers” for the landmark event.
AETC 2025 promises to be a pivotal gathering, bringing together industry giants, influential policymakers, and visionary innovators to chart a course for Africa’s energy future, exploring disruptive technologies, strategic policies, and groundbreaking financing models.