By Danjuma Amodu | February 12, 2026
Tony Attah, chief executive of Renaissance Africa Energy, has called for a globally supported but African-led energy transition that prioritises development and energy access alongside decarbonisation.
Speaking at International Energy Week in London, Attah told industry leaders that Africa must be allowed to shape its own transition pathway.
“Africa should be enabled to lead its energy future, on its terms. This is not about slowing the global transition; it is about making it work,” he said.
Attah highlighted Africa’s energy paradox: despite holding around 40% of global solar potential and 9% of proven gas reserves, over 600 million Africans lack access to electricity, while over 850 million rely on traditional biomass for cooking.
“You can not decarbonise a system that you have not yet built,” Attah said, adding that Africa’s transition must be anchored in industrialisation, power generation and economic growth. Attah pointed to Renaissance Africa Energy’s growth, increasing oil production by 100,000 barrels per day and supplying 2 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day to Nigeria LNG.
“We are linking production to power, industry and jobs, redefining the purpose of these assets for domestic value creation,” he said. Attah called for regulatory certainty, long-term capital, and balanced collaborations to drive Africa’s energy future. “When Africa powers its people and builds its industries, the world wins,” he said.
