The G20 Africa Energy Investment Forum took place on November 21 in Johannesburg, South Africa, under the theme ‘Making Energy Poverty History’ . Hosted by the African Energy Chamber (AEC) in partnership with S&P Global Commodity Insights, it brought together international and African energy and finance leaders, entrepreneurs, potential investors and lawmakers.

The AEC, widely recognised as the voice of Africa’s energy sector, actively promotes the interests of the continent, its companies and its people. The forum has put a spotlight on opportunities for sustainable energy to power Africa’s fast-growing population.

The atmosphere at the forum, held just a day prior to the broader G20 Summit, was joyous and festive. Hundreds of delegates formed queues at registration desks, which were managed quickly and efficiently by the AEC staff. Networking opportunities were explored over a cup of coffee before the auditorium doors even opened.

The front row seats were reserved for distinguished guests: South Africa’s Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe; Nardos Bekele-Thomas, CEO of the African Union Development Agency (NEPAD), and South Africa’s Minister of Energy and Electricity Kgosientsho Ramokgopa. All stood up to sing South Africa’s national anthem followed by the anthem of the African Union (AU).

The forum organisers, led by NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC, called on global policymakers and energy leaders to deliver real solutions to end energy poverty across Africa. The discussions covered many topics and addressed strategic priorities for Africa’s energy future – from oil and natural gas to LPG, clean cooking, renewables and affordable clean power.

Minister Mantashe spoke on the role of natural gas in strengthening energy security and driving energy mix diversification in South Africa. The minister, interviewed by NJ Ayuk during the first Fireside Chat session of the day, emphasised that natural gas exploration and production was required to mitigate energy shortfalls and boost GDP growth in the country.

During the interview, Mantashe announced that South Africa would fast-track domestic gas development and liquefied natural gas (LNG) import projects to address a supply shortfall from Mozambique’s Pande and Temane fields.

“We will continue to develop infrastructure to integrate new deposits and avail gas to South Africa,” Mantashe told the audience. “The biggest solution is us. Having access our own gas deposits.”

South Africa imports 90% of its natural gas through the 865km ROMPCO pipeline from Mozambique. However, with South African chemicals and energy company Sasol (JSE:SOL; NYSE:SSL) seeking to increase internal volumes from mid-2026, the government is pushing to secure new supply.

According to Mantashe, South Africa is currently fast-tracking two LNG projects - the Matola floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) in Mozambique, due mid-2026, and the Richards Bay LNG terminal, expected in 2027 - while planning new pipelines to link offshore gas finds in the Orange Basin to the national grid.

Mantashe said regulatory changes were needed to unlock offshore drilling and lift exploration moratoria in the Karoo and Orange Basins. He also noted that major Orange Basin discoveries such as Brulpadda and Luiperd could sharply cut imports, raise GDP and attract large investment into petrochemicals and energy sectors.

The forum also highlighted competing visions for the continent’s energy transition. During the registration, all delegates were given a lapel badge in the shape of Africa, which said “I Love Fossil Fuels.” Some attached their badges with pride; others hid them in pockets or raised a quizzical eyebrow.

It is a well-known fact that the AEC strongly believes in responsible and profitable investment in African fossil fuels development. According to the Chamber, a fundamental reorientation of global energy policy is required – one that places African fossil fuels at the centre of energy security, industrial growth, employment creation and poverty alleviation.

“We reject calls to phase out fossil fuels under the guise of climate virtue, which only threatens Africa’s prosperity and keeps millions locked in energy poverty. Instead, we demand a just energy future powered by African resources, built by African workers and delivering tangible benefits to communities,” says the AEC.

Mantashe set out South Africa’s stance regarding exploration for oil and gas clearly: “Drill, baby, drill. We have no legal restriction on oil and gas exploration and exploitation in South Africa. If we make a breakthrough on oil and gas, our GDP will grow exponentially. Our people will never breathe fresh air in darkness.”

Delivering a keynote address, Nardos Bekele-Thomas stated that energy poverty was the single biggest obstacle to the successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). She also noted that a shortage of bankable projects is deterring investment, despite Africa’s abundant energy resources.

“Africa possesses 60% of the world’s best solar resources, vast untapped hydropower, significant reserves of natural gas, and the critical minerals essential for the green transition,” Bekele-Thomas said.

Yet, nearly 600 million of our people still lack access to reliable electricity. This is not merely a developmental challenge; it is the single greatest impediment to our industrialisation, the realisation of the AfCFTA, and the achievement of Agenda 2063.”

In his keynote address, Minister Ramokgopa pointed out that Africa possessed the resources, the knowledge, the innovation, and above all the resolve to make a just energy transition possible.

“What remains is the moral courage to ensure that this transformation becomes a story of inclusion, not exclusion,” Ramokgopa said.

“The G20 Technical Working Group recognised that energy poverty is not an African inconvenience, but a systemic global risk,” the minister added. “Every nation has the sovereign right to pursue a transition, consistent with its developmental ambitions, its resources, inheritance, and its historic circumstances.”