As Africa gears up for the 2026 Africa Energy Indaba set to take place March 3-5 in Cape Town, the continent’s energy experts are focusing on energy sovereignty, regional integration, and development-aligned transitions to meet its diverse energy needs.
In an interview with Sputnik Africa ahead of the event, Brian Statham, Former Executive Chairman of the South African National Energy Association (SANEA), reflected on his decades of experience in the energy sector and highlighted key elements shaping Africa's energy future.
The Africa Energy Indaba has been a vital platform for knowledge exchange, bringing together energy stakeholders from across the continent. Statham described the event’s success not only by its longevity—this year marks its 18th edition—but also by the engagement it draws, with 37 African countries represented and thousands of delegates sharing ideas and experiences. He emphasized that the true success of the Indaba lies in the opportunities it creates for dialogue, networking, and understanding Africa’s energy landscape.
Reflecting on his leadership at SANEA, Statham recalled how the association played a pivotal role in shaping energy discourse by broadening the focus to include a wide range of energy sources, from fossil fuels to renewables. He noted that Africa’s unique energy context—different from other regions—requires tailored solutions that consider the continent's vast diversity.
"Energy is critical for any country's development because I don't think you can think of any activity that can happen if there's no energy," Statham asserted.
He highlighted the foundational role energy plays in all aspects of life, from communication to transportation, and stressed the importance of managing Africa's energy resources efficiently to ensure sustainable development for its citizens.
On the subject of South Africa’s energy transition, Statham acknowledged the country’s rich natural resources, including solar, wind, and coal, and the potential to add gas and nuclear power to the mix. He underscored the necessity of blending these resources to maximize benefits while managing the transition responsibly, ensuring that no one is left behind.
"So we have to also find ways of re-skilling and re-training those folks so that they can find employment - positive employment, in whatever new technologies are becoming available and what we're transitioning to," he added.
Statham also emphasized regional cooperation, especially within the Southern African Development Community. He pointed out that by leveraging the energy resources of neighboring countries—such as Mozambique’s gas and hydroelectric power from Zimbabwe and Zambia—South Africa can diversify its energy mix and improve efficiency across borders.
Finally, Statham highlighted the potential of South Africa’s collaboration with BRICS nations, particularly Brazil, Russia, India, and China, to advance a cleaner, more industrially aligned energy transition. He noted the technological advancements in countries like Brazil in gas-powered mobility and China’s efforts to bring energy access to all its citizens, stressing the importance of knowledge-sharing to enhance energy systems globally.
"Russia has a lot of high-tech stuff. So Russia does have their nuclear programs, which are known, and we are interested in nuclear stuff. So technology there, there’s lots of opportunity for exchange of information, etc. So again, it’s all about people, talking to one another, sharing their knowledge and experience, and doing that in the interests of making the quality of life better for all the citizens within our regions."