At the second African Energy Technology Conference (AETC) held from May 27 to 29 in Accra, Ghana, Alaa El-Batal, First Undersecretary at Egypt’s Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (MoPMR), underscored the pivotal role of natural gas in shaping the global energy future. Representing Minister Karim Badawi, El-Batal spoke during a high-level ministerial panel titled “Empowering Progress in Africa,” where he emphasized Africa’s vast untapped gas reserves and their strategic importance in the global energy mix.
El-Batal highlighted the inherent advantages of Africa’s natural gas not only as a relatively cleaner-burning fossil fuel but also as a key input in producing fertilizers and chemicals. This dual purpose, he noted, offers added economic value and supports national industries. He urged stakeholders to view Africa’s gas resources not only as a domestic asset but as a global opportunity to enhance energy security and support sustainable development across the continent.
Egypt’s Model: Expanding Natural Gas Access
During his address, El-Batal shared Egypt’s successful initiatives in expanding the use of Africa’s natural gas, offering it as a replicable model for other African nations. More than 15 million Egyptian homes across various regions have been connected to the natural gas network, a milestone achieved through targeted infrastructure programs and policy initiatives. He also spotlighted the country’s flagship rural development program, “Decent Life” (Hayah Karima), launched in 2019, which has played a key role in extending Africa’s natural gas services to underserved communities.
This expansion has brought a host of social and economic benefits: improved living standards, enhanced energy access, and reduced dependence on imported liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). El-Batal emphasized how these changes have helped promote social equity, particularly empowering women and reducing household reliance on more polluting fuels. Egypt’s experience serves as a compelling case for other African nations grappling with energy poverty and the need for clean cooking alternatives.
Regional Collaboration for a Sustainable Energy Future
El-Batal concluded his remarks by reaffirming Egypt’s commitment to regional cooperation and sustainable energy development. He stressed the importance of pan-African collaboration in achieving energy transformation goals, especially in light of growing global attention to climate action and decarbonization. He echoed Minister Karim Badawi’s message from the recent Africa Energy Summit, highlighting the necessity of coordinated efforts among governments, private sector players, and international financial institutions.
According to El-Batal, leveraging Africa’s natural gas combined experience and fostering knowledge exchange among nations will be crucial to unlocking the full potential of the continent’s natural resources. He pointed to the growing opportunities in renewable energy and green hydrogen as key areas for future growth and investment. By prioritizing strategic partnerships and long-term planning, Africa can take a leading role in the global transition toward sustainable, secure, and inclusive energy systems.
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