Page 39 - Energize September 2022

VIEWS AND OPINION

Energy partnerships in Africa must benefit

society, especially women and children

By Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, former Deputy President of South Africa

frica’s ability to supply primary rely on open fires and burn wood and
energy has grasped the world’s crop waste to survive. Research also
Aattention in recent times as shows that when more income is put
conflict in Eastern Europe and rising into the hands of women, education,
energy costs have highlighted the child nutrition and health also improve.
globe’s precarious energy position. African countries must be careful
Recent discoveries of oil and of the well documented industry
gas across the continent serve as a behaviour which has continued to
reminder that Africa has the potential exploit the resources and the local
to be an international energy supplier. people and African governments
Africa nevertheless also must also which have failed to stand up for their
be focused on increased production country’s developmental needs.
of clean energy as part of the just We must grapple with the historic
transition and fight against climate curse of resources that has beleaguered
change. Additionally, investment many countries which remain unequal
in future projects must ensure full and poor despite growth in exports and
benefits and upliftment of women and foreign earnings from energy resources. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka
children of our continent. An inclusive approach is needed
Having served both the United which benefits locals by boosting local on a successful and sustainable energy
Nations and the South African skills development, lowering supply path are considered with the seriousness
Government, I am of the view that chain costs, encouraging responsive they deserve and with the spirit of
Africa must ensure both consistent and good governance, enhancing Ubuntu – the understanding that we are
and diverse energy supply to its infrastructure, and developing interdependent and coexist in a natural
people and the world while also sustainable local content with partnership.
tackling some of the most challenging enhanced localisation and strategies.
socio-economic issues it faces. Climate change constraints must About Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka
The upliftment of women and also continue to guide our choices of Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka is the former
ensuring equality will contribute energy mix: money gained from fossil Deputy President of South Africa (2005 to
positive development and growth of fuel sales must be used to invest in 2008) and Minister of Minerals and Energy
countries. Diversified energy sources clean energy and for the development (1999 to 2005). She served two terms
used together with rich energy of Africa’s people. as the Executive Director of UN Women
reserves could act as a multiplier for We must combine our strengths, (2013 to 2021) and holds qualifications
growth, economic upliftment, poverty resources and knowledge to ensure in Gender Policy and Planning from
reduction and improved health. that no woman or child is left behind as the University College of London and a
Worryingly, UN Women statistics we advance together. Master’s in Philosophy in Educational
indicate that women in sub-Saharan It is my sincere hope that, as heads of Planning Policy from the University of
Africa collectively spend over 40-billion state, industry and energy leaders gather Cape Town.
hours a year collecting water. Rural in Cape Town for the annual Africa Oil
communities which do not have access Week (AOW) from 3 to 7 October 2022, Send your comments to
to efficient energy sources continue to the opportunities which could put Africa rogerl@nowmedia.co.za

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