Africa must have fair say in energy transition, says Verheijen
By Kunle Sanni
Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Olu Verheijen, has called for a fairer global energy transition, emphasizing that Africa contributes just 3–4% of global greenhouse gas emissions yet faces disproportionate pressure to reduce fossil fuel use.
Speaking at the CERAWeek panel on “Policy and People: Pathways to a Just Transition,” Verheijen stressed that Africa’s energy needs must take priority.
She argued that the continent should be allowed to leverage all available resources to combat energy poverty and drive economic growth.
“We must reshape the global conversation to prioritize energy access for all. As a continent, we have the right to utilize all available energy resources to reduce energy poverty and foster economic development,” she said.
Verheijen also highlighted Nigeria’s efforts to create an investment-friendly energy sector, citing data-driven policies aimed at attracting capital in the oil, gas, and power industries.
She noted that improving the bankability of African energy projects and leveraging initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) could unlock greater investment.
The panel, moderated by S&P Global’s Vera Blei, also featured Scott Tinker, CEO of Tinker Energy Association, and Sunita Narain, Director-General of the Centre for Science and Environment. Discussions focused on Africa’s unique challenges in balancing energy security with climate commitments.
