Africa moves from planning to execution at Continental Energy and Infrastructure Forum
Date: 2026-02-04
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
At
the opening of the Continental Energy and Infrastructure Investment Forum
(CEIIF) in Lusaka, H.E. Commissioner Lerato D. Mataboge joined President
Hakainde Hichilema of the Republic of Zambia to send a unified message: Africa
is no longer debating possibilities; the continent is delivering tangible
results.
Speaking
at the forum, President Hichilema emphasized that Africa is transitioning from
being “landlocked” to “land-linked,” focusing on cross-border connections,
bankable projects, and economic integration. “It’s got nothing to do with
borders here. It’s got everything to do with what makes sense, business sense,
what makes economic sense,” he stated.
Commissioner
Mataboge highlighted the need for coordinated implementation and strategic
partnerships to close the continent’s energy access gap. She noted that Africa
has long-standing plans ready for execution, from clean power generation and
grid interconnections to local value creation from natural resources.
The
CEIIF serves as a platform for stakeholders to engage in investment
opportunities that support Africa’s infrastructure and energy development,
signaling a new era of practical, results-driven continental growth.
