As the need for energy transformation gathers pace at a global level, North African countries are also starting to make moves.<\/p>\n
Several players active in North Africa\u2019s oil and gas space \u2013 producing countries, independent oil companies (IOCs), service-providers and others \u2013 are already signed up for Africa Oil Week in November this year, unfazed by and supportive of the event\u2019s temporary move to Dubai as a COVID-19 safety measure. They look forward to Africa Oil Week moving \u201chome\u201d to Cape Town, South Africa next year.<\/p>\n
The clean energy transition is squarely on the agenda for this year\u2019s conference.<\/p>\n
Says Mohamed Boussa\u00eed, Tunisia\u2019s Minister of Industry, Energy and Mines: \u201cWe are determined to accelerate our energy transition over the next decade to achieve energy security through a diversified energy mix and to improve our economic competitiveness.\u201d<\/p>\n
Decarbonisation<\/strong><\/p>\n Decarbonisation is instrumental for North African countries to achieve their climate and economic development ambitions. Change will not be easy though, as North Africa relies on energy exports to drive its economy, meaning that any substantial shift will require investment from more developed countries.<\/p>\n “The only way to move along\u2026 is a dramatic surge in clean energy investment,” says Tim Gould, co-lead author of the report\u00a0\u2018Clean Energy Transition in North Africa\u2019<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0and head of the International Energy Agency (IEA) division for energy supply outlooks and investment.<\/p>\n “Countries are not starting this journey from the same point. Emerging countries in particular need the financing and knowledge to build their energy systems sustainably.”<\/p>\n