By: Kanto
Kai Okanta
African Union Commissioner
for Infrastructure and Energy, H.E. Lerato D. Mataboge, has held bilateral
discussions with Russia’s First Deputy Minister of Energy, H.E. Pavel Sorokin,
on the margins of the G20 Energy Abundance Ministerial Meeting in Houston,
Texas.
Commissioner Mataboge is
leading the African Union delegation at the G20 Energy Abundance Ministerial
Meeting, where energy issues and priorities are being discussed among
participating countries and stakeholders.
During the bilateral
engagement, Mataboge highlighted Africa’s energy priorities, including the need
for affordable and reliable electricity capable of meeting the needs of
communities while supporting industrial growth across the continent.
She emphasised the
importance of ensuring that finance, technology and partnerships translate into
tangible outcomes for people and industry as African countries work to address
energy needs and advance development.
The engagement between the
African Union and the Russian Federation forms part of broader diplomatic and
economic discussions taking place on the margins of the G20 ministerial
meeting.
The African Union’s
participation also reflects the continent’s growing role in global economic and
energy governance following its admission as a permanent member of the G20 on
September 9, 2023.
The bilateral exchange
provides an opportunity for Africa to articulate its energy priorities within
global economic and energy discussions while exploring areas where finance,
technology and international partnerships can support the continent’s energy development.
