Cape Town, South Africa — June 18, 2025 — In an inspiring keynote address at the Youth Energy Summit 2025, themed “Igniting the Energy Generation: Voices from Africa’s Distinguished Leaders,” H.E Commissioner Lerato Mataboge (H.E Lerato, hereafter, African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, issued a compelling call to action for young Africans to spearhead the continent’s energy transformation.)
The summit, hosted in Cape Town, brought together government representatives, policy makers, private sector leaders, civil society actors, and hundreds of youth innovators from across the continent. It provided an inclusive platform to engage on the critical intersection of energy access, innovation, and youth empowerment—three cornerstones for achieving the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
H.E Lerato, opened her speech by highlighting the persistent issue of energy poverty that affects millions across Africa, with women and girls bearing the disproportionate brunt—often spending hours collecting firewood and charcoal, resulting in health hazards and hampering education and economic productivity.
“Too many young girls and mothers spend hours each day gathering firewood, only to prepare meals in smoke-filled kitchens,” H.E. emphasized. “This is not only a health hazard but a barrier to education, productivity, and gender equality.”
Undeterred by these challenges, H.E Lerato reminded delegates of Africa’s immense renewable energy potential. She stressed that the continent’s rich natural resources—solar, wind, hydro—offer a pathway toward sustainable development, yet demand increased investment in infrastructure and innovation to truly harness these assets.
The African Union Commission (AUC), through its Department of Infrastructure and Energy, is committed to advancing efforts toward universal access to clean, affordable, and reliable energy with the aim to integrate regional power systems, enhance cross-border trade, and unlock investment opportunities. She also noted many collaborative initiatives under the Directorate's mandate that aim to place Africa on a path toward a just and inclusive energy transition.
In her address, H.E Lerato, invoked the African Youth Charter as a foundational principle particularly Article 26(a), which is a prominent vision for youth inclusion in energy policy and implementation for youth inclusion in energy development. Reaffirming the AUC’s dedication to empowering young people, she encouraged governments to go beyond rhetoric, actively involving youth in energy policy formulation and technological innovation.
H.E Lerato, urged governments to move from symbolic gestures to real action by building ecosystems where youth are not only heard but are active architects of energy policy and innovation.
Concluding her speech, H.E Lerato, issued an inspiring rallying cry: "Build with vision, lead with confidence, and engage with curiosity and critical thought. Generate power not only through turbines and solar panels but through the force of your imagination, your innovation, your courage, and your collective will."
H.E Lerato, message was clear: Africa’s bright future will be powered by its youth—and that future begins today. Addition: A call to action upon stakeholders across sectors to not only invest in infrastructure but also in the skills, ideas, and resilience of young Africans.
The Youth Energy Summit 2025 concluded with renewed optimism and commitment to youth inclusion in energy development. Delegates resolved to establish youth-led AI initiatives, deepen partnerships for capacity-building, and integrate youth into ongoing regional and national energy strategies—paving the way for a more inclusive and electrified Africa.
For further information, please contact:
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Ms. Sara Ibrahim Ahmed Elhag | Head of Energy Division | Directorate of Infrastructure and Energy | African Union Commission | E-mail: ElhagS@africanunion.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Mr. Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar |Senior Communication Officer | Information and Communication Directorate (ICD), African Union Commission | E-mail: GamalK@africanunion.org
For further information, please contact:
Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org
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