THE PROPOSAL for common energy markets for African countries as a tool to mitigate power shortage needs the support of all African governments. If realised, the Sustainable Energy for All initiative has the potential to solve Africa’s energy woes and set the continent on the path of sustainable development. A substantial increase in electricity generation on the continent would greatly impact other sectors and help unlock Africa’s latent potential. It is such bold and broad initiatives that will encourage the private sector to invest in energy production because of the assured market. Emphasis should however be put on renewable energy to ensure green growth. Africa is not short of resources, what has been in short supply is innovative ideas and sufficient political will to put them into action. It is unfortunate that Africa’s potential has for long been sacrificed because some leaders seem reluctant to actively work with their counterparts in the same region to pull and mobilise resources for a common cause. In the time of globalisation and competing geopolitical interests, Africa’s interests can best be served if its leaders start to work together to transform the lives of their people, to think outside the box and collectively serve the people of Africa.
