Ghana positioned as hub for Africa's energy innovation under new strategy

AETC unveils continental energy strategy to President Mahama

The Africa Energy Technology Centre (AETC) has presented its strategic vision for transforming Africa's energy future to President John Dramani Mahama during a high-level meeting convened by the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Jinapor. The engagement brought together senior government officials, energy sector leaders, and AETC Board members to discuss advancing Africa's energy sovereignty and innovation capacity.

At the heart of AETC's agenda is a bold shift: repositioning Africa from a consumer of imported energy technologies to a continental producer, innovator, and exporter of sustainable energy solutions. Founder and President Emelia Cedar-Palm Akumah emphasised that Africa must actively build its energy future rather than passively await it, calling for deliberate, courageous, and sustainable development driven by local innovation and entrepreneurship.

Three flagship programmes to drive energy revolution

The Centre outlined three transformative initiatives. The Youth Energy Entrepreneurship and Incubation Programme (YEEIP) will empower young Africans as energy sector innovators through technical training, business incubation, and financing access. The Africa Smart Energy Technology and Innovation Hub will establish the continent as a centre for energy research, development, and intellectual property creation. The Ghana National Solar Prosumer Initiative will expand decentralised renewable energy through rooftop solar deployment and net-metering policies, enabling households, businesses, and institutions to generate and consume their own electricity.

These programmes aim to reduce pressure on national grids, boost energy security, and create pathways for job creation and technological independence across the continent.