Smart Innovation and Sustainable Energy Take Centre Stage at Africa Electricity Summit
The future of Africa’s energy landscape is being forged in Kampala this week, as the Africa Electricity Symposium (AES), running from June 25th to 27th, convenes at the Mestil Hotel.
Officiated by the Minister for Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, the summit is highlighting the critical role of smart innovation and sustainable energy in achieving the continent’s ambitious growth agenda. For Uganda, the implications are profound, as the nation positions itself as a leader in equitable and sustainable energy development.
Minister Nankabirwa’s opening address painted a compelling picture of Uganda’s progress and its soaring aspirations.
“Uganda’s progress in electricity access has grown from 7% in 2001 to over 60% today,” she stated, showcasing a remarkable journey of electrification.
This growth, she noted, has outpaced many other countries within the region, demonstrating a strong commitment to expanding energy access for its citizens.
But Uganda’s ambitions don’t stop there; Nankabirwa revealed that the government has set out audacious plans to expand generation capacity from the current approximate 2,048 MW to an astounding 52,000 MW by 2040.
According to Nankabirwa, this monumental target, a cornerstone of Uganda’s long-term development strategy, aligns with its vision to become an upper-middle-income country. Achieving such a leap requires a multi-pronged approach, and Minister Nankabirwa outlined the key policy focus areas the government is vigorously implementing:
Diversifying the Energy Mix
Moving beyond the country’s reliance on hydropower (which currently dominates over 80% of generation), Uganda is strategically investing in a broad spectrum of energy sources. This includes solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, and even the exploration of nuclear energy. This diversification not only enhances energy security but also mitigates risks associated with climate change impacting hydropower generation.
Cost-Reflective Tariffs and Regulatory Reforms
Ensuring that electricity tariffs accurately reflect the cost of production and delivery is crucial for attracting private investment and ensuring the financial viability of utility providers. Coupled with robust regulatory reforms, this creates an attractive environment for both local and international investors to participate in Uganda’s energy sector.
Decentralised Energy Solutions for Rural Areas
While grid expansion continues, Uganda recognises that universal access demands innovative off-grid and mini-grid solutions. These decentralised systems, often powered by solar or small hydro, are vital for reaching remote rural communities that are expensive and difficult to connect to the national grid. This focus directly addresses the disparity where urban access is over 60%, while rural access lags around 20%.
Energy as a Development Enabler
The government views electricity not just as a commodity but as a fundamental enabler for broader socio-economic development. Reliable and affordable energy is crucial for powering essential sectors such as health facilities, educational institutions, and industrial parks, thereby fostering job creation, improving public services, and stimulating economic growth.
Minister Nankabirwa further emphasised the critical role of data-driven planning, highlighting the use of sophisticated tools like the Least Cost Generation, Transmission Plan and the Integrated Energy Resource Master Plan.
These planning instruments, she pointed out, ensure that investments are optimised, resources are efficiently allocated, and the energy sector develops in a coordinated and sustainable manner.
The Synergy of Partnerships
A key theme underscored by the Minister was the indispensable role of collaboration. “I recognise Academia and research institutions as vital partners,” she noted, citing impressive examples like the Twaake Project and Makerere University’s EfD (Environment for Development) Centre for their direct influence on national policy.
“I call upon all stakeholders, policymakers, researchers, utilities, and academia to collaborate with purpose, evidence, and agility to electrify not just Uganda, but the entire continent,” Minister Nankabirwa urged.
The Africa Electricity Summit in Kampala serves as a pivotal forum for Uganda to share its successes, learn from regional and global experiences, and forge the necessary partnerships to realise its ambitious energy goals.
By championing smart innovation, diversifying its energy mix, prioritising inclusive access, and leveraging robust planning and research, Uganda is not just illuminating its path but is actively contributing to a brighter, more electrified future for all of Africa.
