The senator representing Kogi Central in the National Assembly, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has called on African leaders to make financing energy innovation a top priority in order to secure the continent’s long-term growth and self-sufficiency in the energy sector.
Speaking at the ongoing African Energy Week conference in Cape Town, the Senator emphasized the importance of increasing local investment in energy technologies, which she sees as key to breaking Africa’s dependence on foreign imports and expertise. Her comments align with the International Energy Agency’s goal of doubling Africa’s energy investment to $200 billion annually by 2030—an investment that will help meet the continent’s climate targets while addressing its growing energy needs.
“Africa must take charge of its own energy destiny. The only way we can transform from being a continent that is exploited to one that leads in energy production is by driving innovation from within,” said Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. “We need to prioritize research and development that produces technologies made on African soil. That way, we can keep the money that would have been spent on importing foreign equipment and experts within our own economies.”
The Senator’s remarks came during a panel discussion at the high-profile event, which is bringing together energy leaders, policymakers, and investors from across the continent to discuss the future of Africa’s energy sector. This year’s theme, “Financing Technical Innovation for Africa’s Energy Future,” highlights the need for investment in sustainable energy solutions, local manufacturing, and infrastructure development to support the continent’s rapid population growth and rising energy demand.
The call for greater local innovation in the energy sector is closely tied to the formation of the **Africa Energy Bank**, an initiative spearheaded by the African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO). The bank, which is set to launch in mid-2025, is designed to help reduce Africa’s reliance on foreign financing for energy projects, promote regional energy integration, and empower local economies by supporting homegrown energy businesses.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan applauded the establishment of the Africa Energy Bank, which she believes will play a critical role in financing African energy projects and encouraging the development of local technologies and expertise.
“This is a huge step in the right direction for Africa,” she said. “The Africa Energy Bank will help us take control of our resources and our energy future. By investing in energy innovation within the continent, we can create jobs, foster economic growth, and reduce our reliance on external funds and expertise.”
As part of her broader advocacy for energy independence, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has long pushed for policies that promote local content in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. She reiterated the importance of strengthening African economies by focusing on local capacity building, technology development, and reducing the continent’s dependency on foreign investors.
“The future of Africa’s energy industry lies in local production and innovation,” she said. “We must stop seeing ourselves as merely consumers of technology, and instead, become the producers. Our research and development must focus on creating technologies tailored to the African context, ensuring we meet our energy needs sustainably.”
The African Energy Week conference has brought together policymakers, energy companies, and investors to address the continent’s energy challenges and explore solutions for transitioning to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. One of the key goals of this year’s event is to increase investment in renewable energy technologies, as well as in oil and gas projects that can meet both Africa’s energy needs and its climate goals.
With global attention on Africa’s energy sector, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s call for increased investment in local innovation resonates strongly, especially as the continent faces the dual challenges of expanding energy access while also addressing climate change. The proposed Africa Energy Bank is seen as a critical part of this strategy, helping Africa to finance its own energy future while empowering its communities and industries.
As discussions continue at the African Energy Week, the focus remains on how Africa can unlock its full energy potential, reduce reliance on foreign funding, and create an energy infrastructure that benefits all Africans. With the establishment of the Africa Energy Bank and a growing commitment to energy innovation, the continent is poised for a transformative shift in its energy landscape.

Former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, has shared insights from his recent visit to Kigali, Rwanda, where he engaged in various discussions aimed at addressing Africa’s challenges, particularly in areas like productivity, leadership, and development.
Obi who made disclosure while writing on his X handle explained that his trip over the weekend involved several planned and spontaneous meetings with influential figures in the development sector. 
He noted that the discussions spanned personal topics to critical issues like sports and food insecurity. A recurring theme in the conversations was the need for African countries, including Nigeria, to shift from a consumption-based economy to one driven by productivity.
Reflecting on his conversation with former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, Obi highlighted Ethiopia’s efforts to boost productivity after realizing that their output was significantly lower than that of China. 
“They found that the Chinese produce 6-7 times more than Ethiopians, and they decided to take action. Today, Ethiopia’s average production is 60-70% of what the Chinese can do,” Desalegn recounted during their discussion.
One of the key moments of Obi’s visit was a meeting with Rwandan President Paul Kagame, a leader he greatly admires. Obi described Kagame as a model of effective leadership, committed to the prudent management of scarce resources and dedicated service to his people. Their conversation touched on the pressing needs for Africa to move forward and the importance of visionary leadership.

Obi also spoke at the Sherrie Silver Foundation’s “The Silver Gala,” where he observed the potential for Africa’s youth to drive the continent’s growth through innovation and entrepreneurship. “I saw a continent on the rise if only we could have the right leadership and invest in the entrepreneurial, innovative energy of our youths,” he said.
His time in Kigali reinforced his belief in a brighter future for both Nigeria and Africa. Obi remains optimistic that with the right leadership, Africa’s potential

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi has said that adequate investment in agriculture is a sure way of tackling food insecurity in Africa.

Speaking as a panellist at an international Conference on food security in Kigali, Rwandan capital on Friday, Obi said the hunger crisis in Africa can only be tamed effectively by giving adequate attention to agriculture.

“Reducing reliance on food imports will help ease the strain on our currency, steady exchange rates, and rein in inflationary pressures driven by high food costs

Writing on his X handle on Friday from Rwanda, Obi said “Today, I was one of the panellists at the Africa Food Systems Forum 2024 held in the Rwandan capital Kigali.
“At the session, I reiterated my long-held position that food insecurity in Africa is intrinsically linked to human insecurity.

“Using Nigeria as an example, I emphasized that solving food insecurity is a major path to general security in the country. By investing in agriculture and food-related productivity Nigeria will not only be addressing the hunger crisis but will also create huge job opportunities for the teeming unemployed population, especially the youths in their productive age.

“To further elucidate the untapped potential in our food production, Bangladesh, with approximately 148,000 square kilometres less than 1/6th of Nigeria’s about 923,768 square kilometres, produces 35-40 million tons of rice annually. In contrast, Nigeria produces only 3-4 million tons of rice, which is roughly 10% of Bangladesh’s rice production

“This disparity which is similar to the African situation highlights the untapped potential of Africa’s agricultural sector and underscores the need for investment.

“Food insecurity, if addressed properly in Africa, can be a catalyst for enhancing human security and promoting overall development. With significant investments in agriculture and food systems, we can create jobs, reduce poverty, and tackle hunger simultaneously.
“By focusing on sustainable agricultural practices and value-chain improvements, we cannot only ensure food security but also empower communities and promote economic growth, leading to a more prosperous and secure Africa. We must prioritize food security to unlock the continent’s potential and address the pressing issues of human insecurity.”