Nigeria and South Africa are deepening their collaboration in the energy sector, working together to accelerate the development of a unified continental power grid and promote sustainable energy growth across Africa.
At the 2025 Africa Energy Forum in Cape Town, Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, held key meetings with South African officials and global energy leaders. During a closed-door ministerial session, Adelabu emphasized the importance of a solid policy foundation in achieving a successful energy transition. He highlighted Nigeria’s newly approved National Integrated Electricity Policy, designed to streamline power generation, transmission, and distribution while promoting gas-to-power initiatives and expanding the use of renewable energy.
The forum served as a platform to align public and private sector efforts, fast-track project implementation, and attract investment. Adelabu reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to a balanced approach—pursuing decarbonization while still tapping into the country’s vast hydrocarbon reserves to support national development.
Key priorities were outlined, including modernizing the national grid, integrating more renewable energy sources, and deploying decentralized energy solutions such as mini-grids and solar home systems. Adelabu emphasized that Nigeria is open for investment across the entire energy spectrum—from traditional fuels to clean technologies.
In bilateral talks, Adelabu and South Africa’s Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, agreed on the need for a united African stance in global energy forums such as the G20. They explored ways to work together on market reforms, grid financing through public-private partnerships, and strengthening cooperation between regional power pools to build a more integrated and resilient energy network across Africa.
Adelabu also held discussions with international partners, including the UK’s deputy trade commissioner for Africa, representatives from the International Finance Corporation, Canada’s Ambassador, and executives from Siemens Energy. These talks focused on expanding energy partnerships, supporting electrification efforts, and adopting advanced grid technologies.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa’s energy transition, Adelabu concluded with a clear message: “Our goal is clear — energy access, sustainability, and prosperity for Nigeria and the continent.”