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South Africa is undertaking a R450 billion expansion of its electricity transmission grid, highlighting the continent’s urgent need for robust energy infrastructure. The announcement came during the 2026 Africa Energy Indaba, held in Cape Town, South Africa on 4 March 2026, where leaders and industry stakeholders gathered to discuss strategies for achieving reliable, sustainable and inclusive energy access across Africa.
“Electricity is an absolute necessity in the lives of all South Africans. Today, 93% of South African households have electricity,” said Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa. Yet, the focus extended beyond South Africa. Africa possesses immense energy potential, including 60% of the world’s solar resources, alongside critical minerals essential for modern technologies and energy systems. Despite this, around 600 million Africans remain without electricity. “This energy gap exists in a context of a growing population,” observed Ramaphosa.
Africa’s energy strategy must therefore be affordable, sustainable and inclusive, enabling industrialisation while supporting export competitiveness. “Energy is not a luxury but a must-have. Without it, the broader aspirations of development, integration, access and inclusion across the African continent cannot be realised. Access to electricity underpins development, job creation and improved living standards. Africa’s energy agenda must be linked to an industrial agenda. When this continent speaks about critical minerals, it must also speak about beneficiation and value addition,” said Ramaphosa.
Developed nations have long agreed that minerals should be processed where they are produced. For Africa, a just energy transition must therefore support industrialisation and development. Regional integration is equally vital. The continent’s regional power pools demonstrate how interconnected systems can use resources efficiently, create competitive electricity markets and spread risk. Large-scale infrastructure projects require substantial investment and long-term policy stability. Few African countries can fund these solely with public resources, making private sector engagement and international financial institutions essential catalysts.
Global geopolitics add further urgency. The recent Middle East conflict including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, has driven energy price volatility and strained supply chains. “Africa is already experiencing the impact of the escalating conflict in the Middle East, which strains supply chains and contributes to higher energy prices,” noted Ramaphosa. These events highlight Africa’s vulnerability as an import-dependent region and the need for regional and continental energy security and diversification.
Africa has the resources, talent and institutions to succeed. The challenge lies in translating potential into reliable power that drives industrial growth, creates jobs and improves livelihoods. “The remaining task is to match this potential with sustained implementation, to translate plans into projects and to turn projects into reliable power that supports industry, jobs and dignity,” concluded Ramaphosa.
