By Emmanuel Appah
The Executive Director of the African Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), Mr. Benjamin Boakye, has called for affordable, reliable and competitive energy to support Africa’s industrialization.
Speaking at the 2026 Future Energy Conference in Accra, he said Africa’s ability to process its resources, create jobs and compete globally depended on the availability and cost of energy.
“We cannot build globally competitive industries on globally uncompetitive energy,” he said.
Mr. Boakye called for better data, stronger institutions and country specific solutions, noting that Africa’s abundant energy resources had not ensured reliable and affordable electricity.
He also cited ACEP’s support for Ghana’s renegotiation of Independent Power Producer contracts, expected to save the country about US$250 million in debt and US$7 billion in future payments.
He advocated stronger regional energy integration to improve reliability and reduce costs.
The conference brought together African’s with diverse group of participants, including industry players, civil society organisations, innovators, academics, educationists, policymakers and international organisations.
Discussions focused on Africa’s energy future, with participants examining the opportunities available to the continent as well as the key challenges that continue to constrain its energy development.
Credit: Emmanuel Appah
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