By: Mabel Adorkor Annang
The Africa Energy Technology Centre (AETC) has called for stronger regional energy integration, harmonized regulations, and increased investment in energy infrastructure to accelerate intra-African trade and economic transformation across the continent.
Speaking at the opening of the Africa Energy Technology Conference (AETC) 2026 in Ghana, Founder and Executive Chairman of AETC, Emelia Akumah, said Africa must begin to see itself as one interconnected energy and technology market capable of driving industrialization and sustainable development.
The conference is being held under the theme: “From Borders to Bridges: Driving Intra-African Trade and Development through Energy Technology, Sustainability, and Climate Action.”
Addressing ministers, investors, development partners, and industry leaders from across Africa and beyond, Emelia Akumah said despite Africa’s vast natural resources, more than 600 million people on the continent still lack access to electricity.
According to her, the challenge is not the absence of resources, but rather poor coordination, inadequate infrastructure, financing constraints, and weak political commitment.
“Africa is an energy-rich continent suffering from energy poverty,” she stated, adding that regional value chains and industrial growth would remain unattainable without reliable and integrated energy systems.
The Centre used the platform to announce a number of flagship initiatives aimed at transforming Africa’s energy landscape.
Among them is the Youth Energy Entrepreneurship and Incubation Program (YEEIP), designed to support young African innovators and prepare green technology entrepreneurs to become investment-ready.
The Centre also announced plans to establish Africa’s first Smart Energy Technology Hub in Ghana to promote local content development, technical skills training, and the design and ownership of energy technologies by Africans.
In addition, AETC unveiled the Africa Solar Prosumer Initiative, a programme intended to expand decentralized solar power generation by enabling households, factories, and small businesses to both produce and consume electricity.
Emelia Akumah further stressed the importance of deploying advanced technologies within Africa’s oil and gas sector to improve efficiency and reduce emissions.
She highlighted the use of Artificial Intelligence, predictive maintenance systems, and carbon capture technologies as critical tools for eliminating gas flaring and supporting cleaner hydrocarbon production.
The conference also focused on the role of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in unlocking regional economic opportunities through energy integration.
Delegates were urged to move beyond fragmented national markets and work toward a unified African energy ecosystem capable of supporting industrial growth, cross-border trade, and climate resilience.
The Africa Energy Technology Conference 2026 continued with investment forums, technical workshops, exhibitions, and policy dialogues on Africa’s energy transition and sustainable development agenda.
