Article: Lonwabo Mtyeku | GP News Media – Community Newsroom Images: Supplied
Johannesburg, South Africa — The Sandton Convention Centre became the epicentre of global ambition and African innovation as it hosted the Global Citizen NOW Summit 2025, the first-ever Global Citizen action summit held on African soil. The event marked a historic moment — not only for the continent, but for the global movement toward equitable clean-energy transformation.
With world leaders, philanthropists, corporate executives, innovators, and youth activists gathered under one roof, the summit delivered a powerful message: Africa’s clean energy transition is no longer a distant goal — it is happening now.
A Milestone Moment: Accelerating Renewables Across Africa
The Johannesburg summit capped off Global Citizen’s year-long Scaling Up Renewables in Africa (SURA) campaign, which mobilized more than 1.4 million citizen actions to push for bold commitments from global decision-makers.
The results were tangible — and unprecedented.
Major announcements included:
€15.5 billion in new commitments for clean-energy investment across Africa.
A collective pledge to deliver 26.8 GW of renewable energy by 2030.
A vision to bring electricity to more than 17.5 million African homes.
Harith General Partners expanding investments from 1.5 GW to 5 GW over five years.
Octopus Energy Generation adding $200 million to its Power Africa fund, now totaling $450 million and providing clean power to 1.1 million people.
These commitments represent one of the largest multi-stakeholder pushes for clean energy in Africa’s history.
Leaders Unite in Purpose
The summit drew high-level leaders whose presence underscored Africa’s pivotal role in the global energy future. Among them were:
President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission
President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre of Norway
Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, former UN Under-Secretary-General
Their discussions reflected a deep commitment to the G20 pillars of solidarity, equality, and sustainability, which South Africa is championing during its G20 presidency.
“Africa is the Energy Story of the Century”
In one of the summit’s most powerful moments, President Ramaphosa addressed the energy paradox facing the continent:
“Africa possesses some of the world’s most abundant renewable resources — yet 40% of our population still lives without electricity. This summit is a turning point. Our transition must be just, inclusive, and anchored in African skills, innovation, and manufacturing.”
His message was clear: the continent is not merely a beneficiary of global energy shifts — it is a leader forging the path.
Health, Poverty and Sustainability Intertwined
Beyond clean energy, the summit spotlighted health security. With the Global Fund beginning its 8th replenishment cycle, Global Citizen amplified the need for renewed support to fight AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, aligning energy development with broader social progress.
A total of $11.34 billion was successfully mobilized for health initiatives — reinforcing the principle that clean energy, public health, and economic stability are inseparable pillars of development.
A Catalyst for Transformation
The Johannesburg summit strengthened the belief that sustainable development in Africa is not an abstract concept — it is a practical, actionable agenda.
Key implications:
Millions of Africans will gain access to reliable electricity, unlocking opportunities for education, entrepreneurship, and digital growth.
Clean energy jobs will expand, empowering local communities and building long-term resilience.
Africa’s global voice in climate and development leadership grows stronger.
For Global Citizen, the summit reflects the power of people-driven action. Years of petitions, advocacy, and on-the-ground campaigning culminated in commitments that will directly transform lives across the continent.
Looking Forward: A Continent on the Rise
As the curtains closed at the Sandton Convention Centre, one message resonated strongly throughout the halls: Africa’s moment is now.
The commitments made in Johannesburg have set the foundation for a cleaner, more inclusive energy future — one built on partnership, innovation, and shared responsibility.
If honoured with urgency and accountability, these pledges will not only reshape Africa’s energy landscape but will redefine what global solidarity looks like in the 21st century.
