By Hannah Dadzie
The Secretary General of the Africa Society, Ambassador Ahmed Haggag, has called on African countries to urgently address the continent’s ongoing energy challenges. Speaking at the 59th Young African Journalists Workshop in Cairo, Egypt, Ambassador Haggag stressed that despite Africa’s rich energy resources, the continent is still underperforming in harnessing its potential.
Ambassador Haggag attributed Africa’s energy crisis to climate change, which he said governments have largely ignored, addressing it only in international forums without taking concrete action. He highlighted that the continent is grappling with economic stagnation, social unrest, and environmental degradation issues worsened by energy shortages.
According to Ambassador Haggag, the legacy of colonialism has left many African nations vulnerable to energy shortages and price fluctuations, hindering economic growth, deepening poverty, and limiting access to essential services. He pointed out that 800 million people across Africa still lack access to electricity, depriving them of crucial resources necessary for economic development.
A Call for a Multifaceted Approach
Ambassador Haggag advocated for a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach to solving Africa’s energy crisis. Among the key solutions he proposed were the establishment of Free Trade Zones and the promotion of regional economic integration, both of which could help reduce energy costs and improve efficiency. He also emphasized the need to implement climate change policies that mitigate the impacts of droughts and floods, which severely affect energy security.
“We must empower African communities to participate in energy decision-making and ensure they benefit from the continent’s abundant natural resources,” Ambassador Haggag said
He also stressed the importance of increasing investment in energy infrastructure, such as power plants and transmission lines, and called for the establishment of regional energy cooperation bodies to coordinate efforts and promote the efficient use of resources.
Maximizing Africa’s Potential
Ambassador Haggag criticized the underutilization of Africa’s natural resources, attributing it to a lack of investment and infrastructure. He pointed to the example of cocoa-rich countries like Ghana, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire, which are key exporters but do not manufacture most of their cocoa products.
“Why aren’t we seeing more manufacturing companies across Africa? This would significantly contribute to the continent’s development,” he questioned.
Ambassador Haggag emphasized the importance of solidarity and mutual support among African nations in tackling the energy crisis, urging the creation of financial funds to support countries in need of energy resources.
“We must work together, we have so many resources to produce energy; we must form alliances to establish funds and support one another.” He added
Journalists as Catalysts for Change
In his closing remarks, Ambassador Haggag urged young African journalists to highlight the pressing issues facing the continent and advocate for meaningful change. He called on them to tell compelling stories about Africa’s energy challenges and opportunities, encouraging them to play an active role in shaping the continent’s future
A Political researcher on African Affairs, Mr. Ahmed Embaby, who also spoke at the workshop on the topic ” International Competition in Africa and its impact on the interest of the continent”, shared his concerns about Africa’s global standing despite its resource wealth.
“Africa has vast resources, yet it is often classified as the poorest continent. The continent has the highest percentage of youth, presenting enormous opportunities that we must seize to achieve a better future,” Mr. Embaby said.
He called for a unified African voice on global issues and urged the continent to capitalize on its resources and expertise.
As Africa continues to wrestle with its energy challenges, both Ambassador Haggag emphasized the importance of global cooperation and investment in helping the continent achieve sustainable development and prosperity. He reiterated the urgency of fostering renewed dialogue on the solutions that can turn Africa’s energy potential into reality.
