AETC 2025 closes in Accra with bold vision for Africa’s energy future

The Africa Energy Technology Conference (AETC 2025) recently concluded in Accra, Ghana. This event marked a significant step in Africa’s energy revolution.

The theme was “Innovate, Invest, Implement: Revolutionised Financing for Sustainable Energy Sector Growth in Africa.” The conference attracted dignitaries, policymakers, investors, and entrepreneurs from across the continent and beyond.

The Africa Energy Technology Centre (AETC) organized the event. AETC focuses on advancing innovation and capital deployment in the energy sector. The conference aimed to reimagine Africa’s energy future.

Emelia Akumah founded AETC to create Africa's first smart energy technology hub. This hub will combine technology, capital, and local expertise to address energy challenges.

AETC 2025 featured keynote addresses, panel discussions, investment forums, and exhibitions. These activities highlighted the need for a unified African approach to sustainable energy.

Key highlights included:

1. Vision for a Smart Energy Future: AETC aims to build a smart energy technology hub. This facility will foster collaboration among technologists, financiers, and policymakers.

2. Intra-African Energy Trade: Discussions stressed the importance of intra-African energy trade. Speakers emphasized regional cooperation as essential for economic growth.

3. Revolutionising Financing: Participants discussed unlocking new financing models for African projects. They explored strategies to make projects more bankable and reduce investment risks.

Minister for Energy John Jinapor delivered a keynote address on collaboration and innovation. He announced new policies like solar-powered streetlights as part of Ghana’s diversification agenda.

Nigeria's Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Ekperikpe Ekpo urged regional collaboration on gas potential. He highlighted Nigeria's vast reserves and pipeline projects that promote integration.

He emphasized using gas for domestic needs rather than just exports—focusing on industrialization and job creation within Africa.

Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim from APPO reminded attendees about using oil and gas resources wisely to combat poverty while investing in cleaner options.

Remote remarks were made by Francesco La Camera from IRENA and Damilola Ogunbiyi from Sustainable Energy for All. They underscored the global importance of Africa’s energy transition.

Emelia Akumah called for action during her speech at the conference. She stated that “the future of energy is African” due to both resources and resolve.

As AETC 2025 ends, the Centre plans to deepen partnerships with governments and private sectors. Their goal is to advance ideas born at the conference toward real actions.

Africa’s energy transformation is underway—and it is led by Africans.