38th African Union Summit Drives Sustainable Energy

The 38th African Union Summit, held from February 12-16, 2025, marked a pivotal moment for Africa’s integration, economic transformation, and climate resilience. African leaders endorsed groundbreaking strategies in the infrastructure and energy sectors, setting the stage for a sustainable future across the continent.

1. Continental strategy for sustainable aviation fuels and low carbon aviation fuels.
2. African Green Hydrogen Strategy.
3. African Energy Efficiency strategy and Action Plan.
4. Continental Policy on climate resilient and smart infrastructure
5. Revised Abuja Safety Targets for Aviation Safety.

Africa’s aviation sector is poised for a 4% annual growth from 2018 – 2050. To support this expansion, while reducing carbon emissions, the AU Summit approved the Continental Strategy for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and Low Carbon Aviation Fuels (LCAF). This initiative will help establish a SAF industry in Africa, with the potential of generating between 11 – 20 million jobs and producing up ro 261 tonnes of SAF.

With Africa’s abundant renewable energy resources, the adoption of the African Green Hydrogen Strategy is a major milestone. This initiative positions the continent as a global leader in the green hydrogen economy, reducing our reliance on traditional energy sources and promoting energy security. Leading African nations such as Namibia, Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, Mauritania and South Africa are already pioneering projects in green hydrogen production.

The African Energy Efficiency Strategy and Action Plan (AfEES) sets ambitious targets to increase Africa;s energy productivity by 50% by 2050 and 70% by 2063. The plan aims to enhance energy efficiency across multiple sectors, including power, transport, industry, buildings and agriculture, ultimately fostering sustainable energy use across the continent.

The African Energy Efficiency Strategy and Action Plan (AfEES) sets ambitious targets to increase Africa;s energy productivity by 50% by 2050 and 70% by 2063. The plan aims to enhance energy efficiency across multiple sectors, including power, transport, industry, buildings and agriculture, ultimately fostering sustainable energy use across the continent.

To ensure safer skies across Africa, the AU summit updated the Abuja Safety Targets (ASTs), aligning them with global best practices established by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). These measures aim to enhance air navigation and aviation safety, supporting the continued growth of the continent’s air transport sector.

H.E. Dr. Amani Abou Zeid, the outgoing Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, emphasized the undeniably important role of digitalization in Africa’s infrastructure development. She emphasized the need to integrate smart grids, AI and data-driven planning for Africa to optimize energy usage, improve service delivery and drive sustainable development across transport, energy, water and ICT sectors.

The strategies adopted at the 38th AU Summit signify a transformative shift in Africa’s approach to infrastructure and energy. By prioritising sustainability, climate resilience and digital innovation, African leaders have laid the foundation for long-term economic growth, job creation and enhanced regional cooperation. More details, decisions, and highlights from the summit can be explored on the official African Union Summit website.

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