Obasanjo Leads Discussions on Regional Stability and Sustainable Development in African

African Energy Week (AEW) 2023 featured a strategic session hosted by H.E. Olusegun Obasanjo, the former president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who led discussions on a variety of topics, including diplomacy, governance, regional stability, and sustainable development. AEW is organized by the African Energy Chamber (www.EnergyChamber.org), the voice of the African energy sector.

The Former President, an experienced statesman with a wealth of knowledge in both domestic and foreign affairs, provided the foundation for high-level discussions during the strategy session, encouraging a sharing of ideas and insights among leaders, policymakers, and specialists from diverse sectors.

H.E. Obasanjo began by outlining his dedication to Nigeria’s energy sector and emphasizing his role in luring investment and debt relief for the West African nation. The former president spoke about Africa’s role in the global energy transition, emphasizing the necessity for the continent to make use of its vast natural resource endowment to meet its energy needs.

Justice requires that we advance as well. He continued, “When I was in charge of the government of Nigeria, I battled for justice in two areas. We should industrialize. The first was in the energy sector, and the second was in global finance.

Hon. Tom Alweendo, Namibia’s Minister of Mines and Energy, participated honorably in the strategy session and gave a speech on the value of partnerships and collaboration in the development of the continent’s energy resources. The Minister emphasized that the continent’s industrialization depends on a strong and fruitful relationship with foreign investors.

Hon. Minister Alweendo said, “We want to welcome investors that share our vision for a successful Africa, especially when it comes to energy. We have to have partnerships that are interested in win-win outcomes.

Former Prime Minister of the Republic of Benin, Lionel Zinzou, meanwhile, emphasized the significance of African nations’ unity. For the sake of the continent as a whole, Zinzou emphasized the necessity for natural resource-rich African nations to support their neighbors’ industrialization and socioeconomic development.

Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Ltd., concluded the renowned panel of speakers by addressing the necessity for African leaders to develop their own narratives in relation to the global energy transformation.

Dr. Kachikwu said, “Africa on its own has got to preach its own viewpoint. My approach to the energy transition is that African leaders have got to start shifting their narratives. Africa must take specific steps in order for us to be able to come up with our own solutions.

This year’s event brings together African energy leaders, international investors, and executives from the public and private sectors through a series of panel discussions, investor forums, industry summits, and one-on-one meetings to foster discussions that will reshape the trajectory of the continent’s energy development. This year’s event has a particular focus on sustainability.

This week’s #AEW2023 conference in Cape Town has the goal of eradicating energy poverty by the year 2030. For more fascinating details and updates on Africa’s greatest energy event, keep checking www.AECWeek.com.