What vision for a sustainable African energy future?

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, a researcher at the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), explored how to reconcile the need to reduce carbon emissions while supporting economic and social development in Africa. He stressed the importance of inclusive policies and innovative financing to accelerate this 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

With this successful first edition, SIREXE has established itself as a key event in shaping the future of the extractive and energy industries in Africa. Through open and pragmatic discussions, it has laid the foundations for stronger regional and international collaboration, which is essential if we are to meet the challenges of the energy transition and sustainable development.