Dr. Mahmoud Esmat, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, participated in the high-level roundtable entitled: “Building Africa’s energy architecture for long-term prosperity and stimulating industrialization and urbanization through sustainable energy”On the sidelines of the activities of the twenty-first general conference of the African Power Utilities Association (APUA), held in Cairo under the patronage of Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister, under the slogan “Africa and the challenges of the energy transition”.
Esmat stressed that Egypt places supporting the sustainable energy transition on the continent at the top of its priorities, noting that the national energy strategy aims to raise the contribution of renewable energy to more than 42% in the energy mix by 2030, reaching 65% in 2040, in line with the Africa 2063 Agenda.
The minister explained that Egypt has succeeded in developing an integrated energy infrastructure and legislation stimulating investment, by expanding energy purchase agreements with the private sector (PPAs) and launching a unified window for licensing, which has enhanced the attractiveness of the Egyptian market for foreign investments.
He added that green energy projects in East Port Said and Upper Egypt will provide reliable electricity supplies at a competitive cost, while integrating smart meters, decentralized generation, and demand response mechanisms.
Esmat also stressed stimulating private sector participation through partnership models (BOT), localization of technology and the local component.
He proposed joint African commitments that include adding 5 gigawatts of renewable energies by 2027, expanding private power purchase agreements, launching three green economic zones, and establishing a regional mechanism to reduce risks and attract investments.
The minister concluded by affirming Egypt’s commitment to leading the dialogue on the future of energy in Africa, and its readiness to transfer its expertise to support a just and sustainable transformation that enhances comprehensive economic development on the continent.
