The Chief Executive Officer of Renaissance Africa Energy, Tony Attah, has called for an energy transition strategy that is led by African countries and supported by global partners, with a focus on expanding energy access and economic development alongside decarbonisation efforts.
Attah made the remarks while speaking at International Energy Week in London, where he addressed industry stakeholders on Africa’s role in the global energy landscape.
According to him, Africa should determine the pace and structure of its transition in a way that aligns with its development priorities.
“Africa should be enabled to lead its energy future – on its terms. This is not about slowing the global transition; it is about making it work,” Attah said.
He highlighted what he described as an energy paradox on the continent, noting that Africa holds about 40 per cent of global solar potential and 9 per cent of proven gas reserves. However, more than 600 million people in Africa lack access to electricity, while over 850 million rely on traditional biomass for cooking. He added that indoor air pollution linked to biomass use contributes to an estimated 800,000 premature deaths annually.
“You cannot decarbonise a system that you have not yet built,” Attah said, stating that Africa’s transition efforts should be tied to industrialisation, power generation and economic growth.
Attah also referenced the growth of Renaissance Africa Energy, which was formed last year following its acquisition of Shell’s onshore and shallow-water assets in Nigeria. He said the company has increased oil production by 100,000 barrels per day and is currently supplying 2 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day to Nigeria LNG.
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He stated that the company is aligning its operations with domestic economic objectives.
“We are linking production to power, industry and jobs, redefining the purpose of these assets for domestic value creation,” he said.
Attah called on African governments to provide regulatory stability, urged international financial institutions to expand access to long-term capital, and encouraged global partners to pursue commercially viable collaborations.
“When Africa powers its people and builds its industries, the world wins,” he said. “The energy renaissance must be African-led.”