Experts and stakeholders in the energy management ecosystem have called for inclusion and collaboration is key towards achieving Africa’s energy growth.

This was stated at the 3-day Nigeria Energy Leadership Summit 2023, themed, ‘Unlocking new value with reforms, investments and technology’ held in Lagos.

The conference included roundtable dialogues, exhibition visits, networking opportunities and panellists’ sessions that discussed front-burner issues and challenges energy the generation, transmission and distribution capacity across Africa.

Participants pointed out that the government has a role to play in deepening collaboration for sustainable and affordable energy across Africa.

Similarly, they agreed that strategic collaborations and implementation of concrete actions are pivotal and will lead towards a brighter and more sustainable energy future.

Also, they noted that the giant strides recorded in some countries like Ghana in its energy generation sector should be implemented in other West African countries.

During one of the Panel Discussions titled: Country Spotlight: Ghana, Andrew Mercer, Deputy Minister  ministry of Energy, Ghana said: “By decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, Ghana is taking steps to mitigate the effect of climate change and protect public health.

“The energy sector can have a significant impact on the local ecosystem, particularly through large-scale hydro plants.

“Ghana is carefully managing its hydropower resources.

“It is important to note why Ghana is making progress in addressing the energy challenges, through policy implementation and financial investment”, he added.

Speaking on Electricity standards Engr. Aliyu Tukur Tahir, Managing Director/CEO, NEMSA Nigerian Electricity Management Services said: “In Nigeria, three government agencies are saddled with the responsibilities of electrical standards and regulations as well as the enforcement of these regulations and standards.

He noted that energy storage is one of the shortcomings of the new Energy Act. The act did not tackle the issue of storage. There is no way you can renewable energy systems if you don’t have storage facilities.

“There should be a regulation in how much energy an individual or household is supposed to store at the National level, especially for safety.”

Speaking at the event, Ade Yesufu

Exhibition Director, Nigeria Energy said: “The Nigeria Energy exhibition and conference 2023 is aimed at providing support to the government and the industry by addressing the challenges through providing reliable long-term solutions for the power sector in Nigeria and West Africa.

“The event connects key stakeholders and governments with visionary professionals to accelerate the generation, transmission and distribution capacity.

“The Nigerian government is actively advancing its power sector in 2023 and beyond through various measures. With a $20 billion investment plan, new power plants and transmission lines are set to be established to boost electricity generation and grid stability.

Restructuring the electricity market by introducing competition and private sector involvement is underway”, Yesufu added.

The highlight of the event which is a convergence of distributors, contractors, developers, investors, and project owners had presentations from industry experts and stakeholders proffering ways to develop reliable power solutions, for the country’s peak energy demand and pave the way, for decentralization.