Jinapor urges decisive action to close Africa’s energy gap
By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi
The Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has called on world leaders, investors and development partners to take decisive steps to close Africa’s persistent energy gap, describing the situation as both urgent and full of promise.
Speaking at the International Solar Alliance’s (ISA) Floating Solar PV Framework session at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra on Wednesday, 4 September, Mr Jinapor lamented the stark disparities in global energy access and investment.
He revealed that more than 600 million Africans remain without electricity, while nearly one billion people lack access to clean cooking solutions, a reality he described as unacceptable in the 21st century.
“Africa is the sunniest continent on earth, yet it produces only 4 per cent of global solar power and attracts less than 2 per cent of global clean energy investment. We contribute just 6 per cent of global energy use and under 3 per cent of energy-related CO₂ emissions, yet our people continue to live in the dark,” he noted.
The Minister argued that Africa’s energy crisis is not simply about infrastructure but reflects chronic underinvestment, unequal access and systemic barriers that hold back industrialisation and inclusive growth.
“Universal access to energy is not merely a development goal; it is a moral imperative,” he declared, stressing that energy lies at the heart of Africa’s quest for industrialisation, job creation, food security and resilience against climate shocks.
Mr Jinapor also highlighted the urgency of shifting the global investment narrative.
He urged multilateral institutions, private investors and governments to redirect more financing into Africa’s renewable energy sector, particularly solar, to unlock the continent’s full potential.
“With bold vision and collective resolve, we can transition from energy poverty to energy prosperity, forging a brighter, greener and more resilient future for all,” Mr Jinapor said.
His remarks come as the International Solar Alliance intensifies efforts to deploy innovative renewable solutions, including floating solar power projects, that could significantly expand Africa’s generation capacity without competing for scarce land resources.
Analysts at the event underscored that without urgent intervention, Africa risks being left behind in the global energy transition.
However, they also noted that with its vast solar, wind and hydropower potential, the continent could become a renewable energy powerhouse if investments align with political will and local capacity-building.
