Energy
Energy is the sector encompassing the production, distribution and consumption of power and fuel resources required to drive economic activity and sustain modern life. The industry spans electricity generation from coal, gas, nuclear, hydro and renewable sources such as solar and wind, as well as the extraction, refining and supply of oil, natural gas and other fossil fuels. Energy infrastructure includes power stations, transmission grids, pipelines, refineries, storage facilities and distribution networks. The sector is fundamental to industrialisation, transport, agriculture, manufacturing and household welfare, making it a strategic priority for governments and a major component of global trade and investment. Africa's energy landscape is characterised by a mix of abundant fossil-fuel and renewable resources alongside significant electrification challenges, with many countries pursuing grid expansion, independent power projects and off-grid solutions to close access gaps. Energy markets are shaped by commodity pricing, geopolitical dynamics, regulatory frameworks and the global transition toward lower-carbon sources. Major players include state-owned utilities, international oil companies, independent power producers and increasingly private renewable-energy developers. The sector faces pressures from climate policy, technological disruption, financing constraints and the need to balance affordability, reliability and sustainability. Investment in energy infrastructure remains a central theme in African economic development and regional integration efforts.
Energy Updates
Measured ambition
By: Terence Creamer 10th July 2026 South Africa’s planned R1-trillion infrastructure programme is undoubtedly a chance to revive the struggling construction sector and to stimulate... →
Ending Impunity and Inequality
19th June 2026 41 G7 energy-billionaires have increased their wealth by $23.5-billion since the unlawful US and Israel war against Iran began, reveals new Oxfam... →
Business Confidence Shed Sentiment
11th June 2026 The SACCI’s Business Confidence Index (BCI) continued to decline by 7.7 index points in April 2026 but recovered in May 2026 by 0.5 index points to... →
Standard Chartered bank says reforms win back investors to Africa
By: Reuters 10th June 2026 African governments from Nigeria to Uganda have lured foreign funders ranging from export credit agencies and private investors to the Gulf as... →
South Africa's Treasury welcomes Fitch upgrade to BB with stable outlook 
By: Schalk Burger 8th June 2026 The National Treasury has welcomed credit rating agency Fitch’s decision to upgrade South Africa’s long-term foreign and local currency credit... →
Chief Economists' Outlook: May 2026
2nd June 2026 The May 2026 Chief Economists’ Outlook opens on a more pessimistic note than the January edition. Drawing on consultations and survey responses... →
Investment conferences are turning commitments into jobs
18th May 2026 Dear Fellow South African, Since the start of this year, we have held a series of high-profile engagements with domestic and international... →
Infrastructure Financing Trends in Africa 2021-2023
15th May 2026 Infrastructure Financing Trends in Africa – 2021-2023 is the Infrastructure Consortium for Africa’s (ICA’s) annual report on how financial... →
$150m loan from OPEC Fund to support critical structural reforms – Treasury
By: Schalk Burger 13th May 2026 Intergovernmental development finance institution, the Opec Fund for International Development has provided a $150-million development policy loan... →
Iran war to cast a shadow on BRICS foreign ministers meeting in Delhi
By: Reuters 13th May 2026 The US-Israeli war on Iran is set to cast a shadow over a two-day meeting of the foreign ministers of the BRICS grouping that kicks off in New... →
