SARW and IMD Call on African Lawmakers to Champion Just, Sustainable Energy Transition
MAPUTO – The Southern African Resources Watch (SARW) has called on African parliaments to take a leading role in steering the continent toward a more inclusive and sustainable energy transition.
Speaking at the Regional Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Climate Change, Energy Transition, and the Oil and Gas Sector—held this week in Maputo—SARW Executive Director Claude Kabemba emphasized that the shift to cleaner energy must be responsible, equitable, and community-driven.
“We ask: how can we promote a responsible transition?” Kabemba said. “It’s about recognising that, even though oil and gas remain vital to our economies, we must begin preparing for a cleaner, more equitable, and sustainable future.”
Kabemba highlighted the unique power of parliaments to be “champions of change” by shaping legislation, overseeing government actions, and holding companies accountable to human rights and environmental standards.
“You must amplify the will of the people—especially the voices of communities often excluded from energy planning, even though they contribute through various taxes,” he urged.
Hermenegildo Mulhovo, Executive Director of the Institute for Multiparty Democracy (IMD), echoed these sentiments, noting that the energy transition represents not just an environmental necessity but a strategic opportunity to diversify and strengthen African economies.
“Investing in renewable sources such as solar, hydro, and wind energy can enhance energy security, create green jobs, expand access to electricity, and align our countries with global climate commitments,” said Mulhovo.
He added that the transition must be guided by political leadership, social justice, and long-term vision. “This cannot be treated merely as a technical or economic issue—it must be inclusive and democratic,” Mulhovo stressed.
“Communities must be part of the decision-making process, and parliaments, as representatives of the people, must be central in shaping this future.”
In a related development, World Bank Group President Ajay Banga recently described Mozambique as having unique potential to become southern Africa’s energy hub.
During a visit to the Cahora Bassa Hydroelectric Plant on July 19, Banga affirmed the World Bank’s support for expanding Mozambique’s energy production capacity.
“This country has everything it needs to build the right kind of energy infrastructure,” Banga said. “No other country in this part of Africa has the potential that Mozambique does.”
The Maputo conference brings together members of parliament from five southern African countries with significant oil and gas prospects, along with government officials, civil society representatives, and international development partners.
The event aims to foster collaboration on climate action, energy reform, and sustainable development across the region.
