Ramokgopa says cheaper power is key to industrialising Africa
Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa said South Africa plans to add 102GW of new generation capacity, with 60% from renewables. He spoke at the Drakensberg Inclusive Growth Forum, run by the Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation.
Ramokgopa spoke on the second day of the forum. He said Africa has the mineral and renewable resources for manufacturing but lacks enough electricity infrastructure. He said about 600-million people on the continent have no access to electricity.
The minister said electricity has historically been treated as an instrument for private accumulation rather than the public good. He said the state has a central role to play in using energy to drive development and industrialisation.
Ramokgopa also said high electricity costs make local mineral processing less competitive. He said growing demand from data centres and artificial intelligence gives South Africa a chance to attract investment.
Key facts
- Who
- Kgosientsho Ramokgopa (Electricity and energy minister); Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation (Organiser of the Drakensberg Inclusive Growth Forum)
- What
- Speaking on the second day of the Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation's Drakensberg Inclusive Growth Forum, Ramokgopa said Africa has the mineral and renewable resources for manufacturing but lacks sufficient electricity infrastructure. He said South Africa plans to add 102GW of new generation capacity, 60% of it renewable.
- When
- 31 October 2026
- Where
- Drakensberg, South Africa, Africa
- Status
- Reported