Guterres Calls for Urgent Reforms to Unlock Africa’s Clean Energy Potential
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has sounded a warning that Africa risks being sidelined in the global clean energy transition unless urgent financial and trade reforms are enacted.
In his op-ed, “A Moment of Opportunity: Supercharging the Clean Energy Age,” Guterres highlighted that despite Africa holding 60% of the world’s top solar resources, the continent attracted just 2% of renewable energy investments last year. He attributed this disparity to crushing debt repayments and limited access to affordable finance, which continue to divert budgets away from critical energy infrastructure.
“We need multilateral development banks to expand their lending capacity and mobilise far more private investment,” Guterres urged, adding that credit rating agencies must update risk assessments to reflect the opportunities of clean energy and the costs of inaction.
Trade as an Enabler
The UN Chief called for trade policies to accelerate clean energy adoption. He stressed the need for diversified supply chains, reduced tariffs on renewable technologies, and modernised investment treaties to encourage cross-border cooperation. For Ghana and other African economies, such measures could lower the cost of solar imports and stimulate local production, opening new export opportunities.
A Just Transition for Communities
Guterres also emphasised the importance of fairness, calling for structured support for communities dependent on fossil fuel industries and reforms in critical mineral supply chains. Countries like Ghana, with abundant manganese and lithium, must capture greater value from these resources by moving up the value chain, creating jobs, and supporting inclusive development.
Meeting Rising Energy Demand Sustainably
He warned that surging global energy demand, particularly from industries like data centres, must be met through renewables. For Africa, clean energy expansion offers the chance to power industrial growth while delivering electricity to millions still living off-grid.
Strengthening Energy Infrastructure
Guterres pointed out that renewable energy cannot thrive without upgraded grid systems and storage. Currently, only 60 cents of every dollar invested in renewables is allocated to grids and storage, a ratio that must become equal. For Ghana, addressing transmission inefficiencies will be crucial to fully benefiting from renewable energy investments.
Clear National Commitments
He called on all governments to submit updated climate plans that align with the 1.5°C warming limit and lay out clear pathways to clean energy adoption.
Why It Matters for Africa and Ghana
For Ghana and the continent, embracing these reforms could mean reduced reliance on costly fossil fuel imports, improved energy security, job creation, and strengthened industrial competitiveness. Unlocking finance, reforming trade, and investing in modern infrastructure would allow African nations to tap into their vast renewable energy potential.
“The clean energy era is unstoppable,” Guterres concluded. “But without urgent action, it will not be fast or fair enough. This is our moment to supercharge the shift.”
