By Simnikiwe Hlatshaneni
Africa Global Logistics, a leading logistics firm in the energy industrial complex across various African markets, says investment in education and infrastructure development will be game changers in ending Africa’s energy poverty and lack of industrialisation, two major hurdles to economic growth on the continent. The company says it recognises the importance of addressing Africa’s energy needs and is actively participating in the African energy renaissance. Education and skills transfer are indeed essential for sustainable development and expertise in infrastructure development.
While attracting investment into the development of sophisticated energy production systems is the main priority for stakeholders over the next few years, it’s also important to address the glaring skills gap in key areas of the energy supply chain for African countries to realise sustainable energy solutions that don’t rely on foreign expertise to run sufficiently.
“The reality in Africa is there are 600 million people without access to sustainable electricity, we have a key role to play in coming up with innovative solutions to make sure that as we deal with climate change, we also address the urgent needs of Africa when it comes to energy and power generation and availability,” says Gregory Risterucci, AGL’s Oil & Gas Director.
“We are very much a part of the African energy renaissance, which for us means that Africa will be able to reach its development goals by using the vast resources at its disposal towards eradicating energy poverty and building more sophisticated and industrialised economies.”
For AGL, a sponsor of Africa Energy Week (AEW) 2023, education and skills transfer are major parts of its short- and medium-term strategy to create more expertise in infrastructure development required to allow energy and power production to expand in the African countries they operate in.
As a sponsor of AEW 2023, AGL presented its solutions for efficient management of complex logistics projects, meeting the highest industry standards. With its extensive African network, AGL positions itself as the leading logistics partner in Africa, offering optimal services that reduce costs and enhance the overall success of energy sector projects.
To ensure a successful strategy for creating more expertise in infrastructure development, AGL suggests that businesses collaborate with educational institutions including universities, technical schools, and vocational training centres to develop specialised curriculum or training programs tailored to infrastructure development. This collaboration can help equip students and professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge.
According to the African Development Bank, Africa may achieve universal access to energy services by 2024 while lowering its carbon intensity of growth and emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2). The continent boasts an abundance of carbon-intensive energy infrastructure as well as renewable and non-renewable energy resources.
However, while Africa is the continent with the least amount of energy availability and the greatest vulnerability to climate change in the world, energy production is necessary for the continent to develop and for the people’s lives to get better. Sixty-five million people in Africa lack access to safe cooking energy, and 700 million people lack access to electricity. Many people rely on non-renewable biomass for cooking, and the ensuing indoor pollution claims the lives of 600,000 people annually.
Establish internships and apprenticeships: Create opportunities for young professionals and students to gain hands-on experience through internships and apprenticeships within your organisation. This practical experience will enhance their expertise and make them valuable assets in the infrastructure development field.
At AEW 2023, the African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO) highlighted the importance of African countries investing in its own research and development activities to encourage innovation and advancements in sustainable energy production and infrastructure development. This was against the backdrop of complaints that African countries’ energy production policy direction is largely informed or imposed by foreign institutions creating gaps in applicability and feasibility of current plans to incorporate climate change objectives into the regulation and planning of energy industries.
Risterucci highlights AGLs intention of involving local communities and stakeholders, taking into account their needs and aspirations when designing education and skills transfer initiatives. By investing in education and skill development, AGL can contribute to the long-term sustainability and transformation of Africa’s energy sector, he says.
*Culled from November Issue of PAV Magazine
