Ghana’s Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Dr John Abdulai Jinapor, has called for greater investment in Africa’s solar energy value chain, stressing that energy self-sufficiency has become a strategic necessity amid growing geopolitical uncertainties and disruptions in global energy markets.
Speaking at the Ninth Session of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly, Dr Jinapor delivered the opening remarks during a discussion on the theme, “Global Solar: Then, Now and Next.”
He noted that recent disruptions in global energy markets had exposed the vulnerabilities associated with excessive dependence on imported fuels, making the development of domestic renewable energy resources increasingly important.
According to him, solar energy presents Africa with a significant opportunity to strengthen energy security, reduce external dependence and build more resilient economies.
He said Ghana was pursuing this agenda through initiatives including the installation of solar-powered streetlights, the promotion of rooftop solar systems and policies aimed at transitioning critical public installations to solar energy.
However, Dr Jinapor emphasised that Africa’s solar ambitions should extend beyond the deployment of solar infrastructure to developing the entire industry value chain.
He argued that the continent must position itself not only as a consumer of solar technologies but also as a producer and value creator through technology transfer, local industrial capacity development and access to affordable, long-term financing.
The minister stressed that Africa’s abundant solar resources could serve as a catalyst for industrialisation, job creation and economic resilience if effectively harnessed.
He maintained that transforming the continent’s solar potential into productive economic opportunities would be critical to achieving long-term energy sovereignty and sustainable development.
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