Africa Energy Bank's Full Launch Should Be Treated as Urgent

Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor, has called for urgent action to operationalise the Africa Energy Bank, stressing that Africa must reduce its overreliance on external financing for energy infrastructure. He emphasized that the development of a robust, homegrown financial institution is essential for securing the continent’s energy future.

Addressing delegates at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Africa Energy Technology Conference (AETC), Minister Jinapor made a compelling case for the Africa Energy Bank to become fully operational without delay. He argued that Africa’s energy transition, economic resilience, and long-term sustainability hinge on the continent’s ability to finance its own large-scale energy projects.

“To harness the full resource potential of Africa, we must unlock capital. We can no longer depend on external funding, which often comes with conditions that are misaligned with our priorities, riddled with distortions, and carry remnants of colonial influence,” he stated. “What we need is a financial architecture of our own—one that can de-risk energy investments, support large infrastructure projects, and ensure that value is retained within the continent. The full operationalisation of the Africa Energy Bank must therefore be treated as a top priority.”

Homegrown Solutions for Africa’s Energy Future

Minister Jinapor’s remarks come at a critical time when African nations are exploring strategies to transition to clean and sustainable energy systems. The call for a continent-wide financing solution aligns with growing consensus among African leaders that long-term energy independence requires internal resource mobilisation and institutional innovation.

According to the Minister, the Africa Energy Bank can serve as a cornerstone for this transformation by offering tailored financial products, leveraging local and regional capital, and building trust among African stakeholders.

“Energy is central to our development. Without reliable and affordable power, industrialisation and inclusive growth will remain elusive,” he said. “This is not just a financial matter—it is a matter of sovereignty, dignity, and long-term economic strategy.”

Spotlight on Innovation and Investment at AETC 2025

Held under the theme “Innovate, Invest, Implement: Revolutionising Financing for Sustainable Energy Growth in Africa,” the 2025 Africa Energy Technology Conference (AETC) convened senior policymakers, investors, financiers, and technology leaders from across the continent and beyond. The aim was to identify pathways to accelerate Africa’s energy transition while ensuring that growth is economically sustainable and socially inclusive.

Participants explored innovative financing models, public-private partnerships, and regional collaboration frameworks designed to close the continent’s energy access gap. Central to the discussions was the question of how Africa can unlock the estimated $100 billion annually needed to meet its energy goals under the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Energy Independence as a Catalyst for Broader Development

Jinapor’s call for full activation of the Africa Energy Bank resonated strongly with the conference’s core message: that Africa must take charge of its development by building institutions capable of supporting its unique challenges and ambitions.

“The future of Africa’s energy sector lies not in dependence but in deliberate action—led by Africans, for Africans. This bank must become a symbol of that commitment,” he concluded.

As Africa continues to confront the dual challenge of climate change and energy poverty, the establishment and operationalisation of the Africa Energy Bank represents more than just a financial undertaking. It is a strategic imperative for continental empowerment and long-term prosperity.