A defining moment for Africa’s clean-energy future — hosted by Nomzamo Mbatha
Article: Lonwabo Mtyeku | GP News Media – Community Newsroom
Johannesburg | 6 November 2025
In what promises to be one of the most consequential gatherings of the decade, Johannesburg will host the first-ever Global Citizen NOW summit on African soil. The landmark event — set for 21 November at the Sandton Convention Centre — will convene presidents, prime ministers, global business leaders, philanthropists, artists, and activists to accelerate investment in renewable energy across Africa.
Presented by Harith General Partners, and supported by Octopus Energy, Pele Energy Group, TransEnergy Global, Genesis Energy, and PayPal, the summit comes at a pivotal time — just days before the G20 Leaders’ Summit — and will serve as a powerful call for global action to end energy poverty and drive equitable climate progress.
A Convergence of Global Leadership and African Vision
Among the distinguished speakers confirmed are President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, President Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission, President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre of Norway, and Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, former UN Under-Secretary-General.
They will be joined by influential voices across business, philanthropy, and culture — including Sipho Makhubela, CEO of Harith General Partners; Sabrina Dhowre Elba, Global Citizen Europe Board Chair; Yvonne Chaka Chaka, music legend and humanitarian; Sherwin Charles, Co-Founder of Goodbye Malaria; and Nandi Madida, artist and philanthropist.
Hosting this extraordinary lineup is Nomzamo Mbatha, actress, humanitarian, and Global Citizen Ambassador, whose blend of passion and purpose has made her a beacon for Africa’s young changemakers.
Adding to the cultural resonance, the Mzansi Youth Choir will perform, underscoring the summit’s theme of hope, solidarity, and African excellence.
Driving Africa’s Energy Transformation
The summit is the flagship moment in Global Citizen’s Scaling Up Renewables in Africa campaign — a year-long initiative co-chaired by President Ramaphosa and President von der Leyen, with the support of the International Energy Agency (IEA).
The campaign’s ambition is bold and urgent:
- Quadruple Africa’s renewable energy capacity by 2030
- Provide clean energy access to 10 million households, with 4.6 million already pledged
- Mobilise public and private finance to unlock sustainable infrastructure and accelerate Africa’s green industrial revolution
This movement aligns with the World Bank and African Development Bank’s Mission 300, aiming to deliver universal energy access and create millions of jobs through clean power.
“Africa’s moment is now,” declared President Cyril Ramaphosa. “Through decisive action and global solidarity, we can accelerate Africa’s clean energy future, creating lasting opportunities for our people and strengthening the foundations of shared prosperity.”
Voices of Commitment
Ursula von der Leyen reinforced Europe’s long-term partnership with Africa through the Global Gateway investment strategy:
“Africa holds immense potential for renewable energy — the world is taking notice. My message is clear: now is the time to invest in powering Africa’s future.”
President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia added:
“Our resilience depends on building a diverse, sustainable energy mix. By investing in solar, hydro, and wind, we can fuel industrial growth and create a cleaner, more prosperous future for all.”
Sipho Makhubela of Harith General Partners highlighted the private sector’s crucial role:
“At Harith, we view investment in renewable energy as both a strategic and economic imperative — driving jobs, innovation and transformative opportunities across our continent.”
Beyond Energy: Shaping a Sustainable, Equitable Future
While renewable energy takes centre stage, the summit will also confront broader development challenges — from health security to climate resilience and youth empowerment.
On 17 November, the Reverse Power Panel will spotlight Africa’s young leaders in energy innovation, including Global Citizen’s Scaling Up Renewables in Africa Fellows. These youth visionaries will share the stage with policymakers such as Deputy Minister of Electricity & Energy Samantha Graham-Maré and Africa Change Lab Director Bhekumuzi Dean Bhebhe, transforming ideas into actionable commitments.
“This is about more than powering homes; it’s about empowering communities,” said Nomzamo Mbatha. “We’re building a future where every African child grows up in a world that runs on clean, inclusive energy.”
A Global Movement with African Soul
Global Citizen NOW: Johannesburg continues the summit series’ global expansion, following editions in New York, Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro, Detroit, Belém, and Seville. But this African debut carries particular symbolic power — coinciding with the first-ever G20 meetings on African soil.
“Africa has the ideas, talent, and resources to power a sustainable future,” said Hugh Evans, Co-Founder & CEO of Global Citizen. “Now the world must match that ambition with action.”
The Bottom Line
The Johannesburg summit isn’t merely an event — it’s a turning point. It signals that Africa is not waiting to be included in the global clean-energy transition; it is leading it.
As the world gathers in South Africa, one message will echo from the Sandton Convention Centre to the corridors of the G20:
Africa’s future is renewable, inclusive, and unstoppable — and the time to invest is now.
Byline: Community Newsroom – Global Affairs & Climate Desk
Follow: @CommunityNewsroom | #GlobalCitizenNOW | #PoweringAfrica | #G20Africa
For more information please visit globalcitizen.org/en/now/johannesburg. Additional details will be announced in the coming weeks.
Media Contact:
For further information, please contact:
Helga Klizanie
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