The Global Partnerships Conference 2026 arrives at a moment of profound consequence for Africa’s energy future and global development cooperation. The twin pressures of geopolitical fragmentation and accelerating climate change are reshaping the landscape of international energy partnerships, with Africa sitting at the intersection of greatest risk and greatest opportunity.
South Africa’s G20 Presidency generated historic momentum on just energy transitions, green industrialisation, and Africa’s equitable stake in clean-technology value chains. As the G20 baton passes and the UK Presidency of 2028 approaches, a critical window is opening – one that Africa cannot afford to let close without action.
This public side event, convened by SAIIA’s Futures Programme alongside the Global Partnerships Conference 2026, brought together policymakers, investors, researchers, civil society and energy diplomats to co-create the coalitions and frameworks that will shape Africa’s energy democracy for decades to come.
Panellists:
- Dr Roli Asthana, Development Economist at ODI Global; Senior Research Associate at SAIIA
- Letitia Jentel, Senior Programme Manager and Researcher: Futures Programme, SAIIA
- Mavis Owusu-Gyamfi, President and CEO, African Center for Economic Transformation (ACET)
- Zoisa North-Bond, CEO, Octopus Energy Generation
Moderator:
- Dr Deon Cloete, Head: Futures Programme, SAIIA
Thank you for your participation.
