Global Citizen, the world’s largest movement aimed at ending extreme poverty, concluded its first-ever Global Citizen NOW action summit on African soil, securing major commitments to expand renewable energy access across the continent.
The event hosted at the Sandton Convention Centre brought together heads of state, international investors, philanthropies, leading organisations and grassroots advocates to accelerate solutions for Africa’s energy future.
The summit capped off a year-long campaign, Scale Up Renewables in Africa, designed to boost infrastructure development, create jobs, and promote clean, reliable power.
Organisers announced new initiatives that will power more than 17.5 million homes and deliver 26.8 gigawatts of renewable energy to the continent by 2030.
It is reported that the commitments represent a significant stride towards reducing energy poverty, which continues to affect nearly 40% of Africa’s population.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed the continent’s progress in the global clean-energy transition.
“With €15.5 billion (R310 billion), we are turbocharging Africa’s clean-energy transition… real, life-changing power for families, for businesses, for entire communities,” she said, noting Europe’s ongoing partnership in supporting the continent’s growth.
President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasised that Africa’s vast natural resources, including solar, wind and hydro, position it as a global leader in renewables.
“Africa’s vast potential must be harnessed for the benefit of its people and the world,” Ramaphosa said, calling for “decisive action and global solidarity” to accelerate clean energy access.
Private sector involvement also featured prominently. Sipho Makhubela, CEO of Harith General Partners, stressed the need for catalytic investment to match the continent’s ambition.
“Africa does not lack ambition; it needs catalytic capital and bold leadership,” he said.
Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans highlighted the impact of sustained civic pressure.
“Global citizens have taken 1.4 million actions urging leaders to invest in renewable energy,” he noted, adding that the commitments secured move Africa “one-sixth of the way” toward meeting its 2030 climate and energy targets.
The summit and festival were attended by influential figures including Ramaphosa, von der Leyen, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
South African stars including Nomzamo Mbatha, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Pearl Thusi, Siv Ngesi, Mzansi Youth Choir, and Dr Sibulele Sibaca-Nomnganga brought creative and cultural energy to the platform, reinforcing the role of entertainment in amplifying global causes.
The event also recognised champions for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, a key institution supporting health programmes in lower-income regions.
Winners of the Global Citizen and PayPal Small Business Impact Awards were also honoured for pioneering sustainable and socially driven solutions.
Innovators from South Africa, India, Sweden, the U.S. and Argentina were acknowledged for work ranging from early wildfire detection to sustainable construction and inclusive menstrual products.
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za
Saturday Star