The upcoming election, set for Wednesday, will determine who takes on this pivotal position, guiding the continent through its most pressing challenges.

Lerato Mataboge, one of the key candidates for the AU Commission for Infrastructure and Energy explains that the Commissioner’s role is multifaceted, tasked with coordinating efforts across regional economic communities, AU member states, and diverse stakeholders to address Africa’s infrastructure and energy gaps.  She says this leadership position is central to the continent’s pursuit of sustainable development and economic growth.

The continent is grappling with an energy crisis, with over 600 million people lacking access to electricity. This energy deficit is a major hindrance to economic growth, industrialization, and overall development. Furthermore, Africa has only 25% broadband penetration, contributing to its continued struggle to compete globally in industries requiring fast and reliable communication networks.

According to Mataboge, addressing these challenges will require collaborative leadership. She says, “A cohesive, well-executed strategy is crucial for ensuring universal energy access and bridging the infrastructure gap across Africa. This requires strong partnerships and the mobilization of intra-African resources.”

The AU’s Agenda 2063 framework, which outlines the long-term development goals for the continent, recently completed its 10-year review. The findings highlighted significant gaps that need urgent attention, particularly in the infrastructure and energy sectors. With these critical areas in mind, the new commissioner will need to take swift and decisive action to accelerate the implementation of large-scale projects.

Despite Africa’s abundant human and financial resources, many experts agree that a lack of coordination is hindering progress. Institutions like the African Development Bank and the Development Bank of Southern Africa  possess the financial capital to fund large infrastructure projects. However, Mataboge notes that “The real challenge lies in leveraging these resources effectively, both by improving coordination and by increasing intra-African investments.”

While the AU’s Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa  offers a comprehensive framework to tackle the continent’s infrastructure needs, its slow pace of resource mobilization and project execution remains a significant obstacle. According to Mataboge, “If we are to meet Africa’s development goals, it is imperative that we accelerate efforts to address these bottlenecks, particularly in the energy sector, which is central to the continent’s industrialization.”

South Africa (SA) has been highlighted as a key player in driving Africa’s energy agenda. The country boasts nearly universal electricity access and has extensive experience in electrifying remote and rural areas, which has positioned it as a model for other nations. Mataboge suggests that SA’s expertise could be pivotal for the continent, particularly in areas where energy access remains limited. “SA’s track record in electrification, along with its advanced construction and energy sectors, provides a solid foundation for Africa to build on,” she states.

Furthermore, SA’s strong capital markets and robust industrial sector provide additional support for the continent’s infrastructure development efforts. With such a powerful resource base, Mataboge argues that SA’s involvement in AU energy initiatives can help unlock significant opportunities for the entire continent.

The upcoming election for the AU Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy will not only determine the future direction of Africa’s energy and infrastructure policies, but it will also shape the leadership that will guide the continent through these challenges. The election process includes a stringent competency assessment, and candidates must secure a two-thirds majority vote from the AU Executive Council, made up of foreign ministers from member states.

The results of this election are seen as a critical opportunity to set a bold new course for Africa’s infrastructure and energy future. The successful candidate will have the mandate to lead efforts to expand energy access and accelerate infrastructure development, ultimately helping to unlock the continent's vast potential.

As Mataboge concludes, “Africa stands at a crossroads. This election is a chance to empower the right leadership to drive the continent’s infrastructure and energy transformation. The stakes could not be higher.”

--ChannelAfrica--