The first edition of the Salon International des Ressources Extractives et Énergétiques (SIREXE) opened with an inaugural conference highlighting the major challenges facing the energy and mining sector in Africa. This strategic event brought together international experts, political decision-makers, industry players and civil society organisations to discuss concrete solutions to the sector's complex challenges.
Key discussions for a sustainable future
The inaugural conference addressed critical issues at the heart of the concerns of the African continent and global industry:
1. Energy transition and socio-economic development :
Alex Benkenstein, chercheur au South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), a exploré comment concilier la nécessité de réduire les émissions de carbone tout en soutenant le développement économique et social en Afrique. Il a souligné l’importance de politiques inclusives et de financements innovants pour accélérer cette transition.
2. Critical minerals and geopolitical issues :
Experts William Davis of the Firoz Institute for Leadership, Energy & Sustainability (LES) and Christian-Geraud Neema Byamungu, analyst at the Centre d'Études et d'Initiatives pour la Paix (CEIP), detailed the opportunities offered by critical minerals, which are essential to the global energy transition. They also discussed the growing geopolitical tensions surrounding their exploitation and strategies for Africa to maximise the economic benefits while ensuring sustainable management.
3. Governance and sustainability :
Daniel Kaufmann, President of the Institute for Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI), highlighted best practice in governance to ensure that the extractive industries generate sustainable benefits for local communities and governments. Transparency, the fight against corruption and institutional capacity-building were at the heart of his speech.
A platform for practical solutions
SIREXE 2024 demonstrated its central role as a catalyst for strategic discussions and collaboration between stakeholders. The discussions confirmed the need to adopt a balanced approach between exploiting natural resources and protecting the environment, while guaranteeing tangible benefits for the people of Africa.
Participants praised the show's innovative format, which combines high-level panels, practical workshops and networking opportunities to address the sector's complex challenges.
A key event for Africa
Avec cette première édition réussie, le SIREXE s’impose comme un événement clé pour orienter l’avenir des industries extractives et énergétiques en Afrique. À travers des discussions ouvertes et pragmatiques, il a permis de poser les bases d’une collaboration régionale et internationale renforcée, essentielle pour relever les défis de la transition énergétique et du développement durable.