The Global Citizen NOW action summit, a flagship event of the world’s largest movement to end extreme poverty, will make its African debut in Johannesburg on November 21, bringing together global and African leaders to accelerate renewable energy investments across the continent.
Set to take place at the Sandton Convention Centre, the event coincides with the G20 Leaders’ Summit and will focus on driving urgent action and investment to expand clean energy access throughout Africa.
Presented by Harith General Partners, with partners Octopus Energy, Pele Energy Group, TransEnergy Global, and supported by Genesis Energy and PayPal, the summit will feature several high-profile speakers including President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre of Norway, and Sipho Makhubela, CEO of Harith General Partners.
The Johannesburg edition will serve as the centerpiece of the year-long “Scaling Up Renewables in Africa” campaign, hosted by President Ramaphosa and President von der Leyen in partnership with Global Citizen and supported by the International Energy Agency (IEA). The campaign aims to secure commitments from governments, the private sector, and development banks to quadruple Africa’s renewable energy capacity by 2030 and address the energy needs of the 600 million people on the continent still without electricity.
Hosted by actress and humanitarian, Nomzamo Mbatha, the event will also feature prominent personalities including Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Sabrina Dhowre Elba, Lady Roslyn Morauta, Sherwin Charles, Akinwole Omoboriowo II, Alexio Musindo, Pearl Thusi, and performances by the Mzansi Youth Choir.
The summit will spotlight new announcements and commitments toward clean energy access for 10 million households, of which 4.6 million have already been pledged. Beyond energy, discussions will cover climate resilience, global health, and equitable economic growth in alignment with the G20’s 2025 themes of Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability.
“Africa’s moment is now,” said President Cyril Ramaphosa, emphasising the continent’s potential to lead the global clean energy transition. “Through decisive action and global solidarity, we can accelerate Africa’s clean energy future through a just transition, creating enduring opportunities for our people.”
Ursula von der Leyen noted that Africa holds immense potential for renewable energy, adding that Europe is committed to partnering with the continent through the Global Gateway investment strategy. “My message is clear: now is the time to invest in powering Africa’s future,” she said.
Sipho Makhubela, CEO of Harith General Partners, described the partnership with Global Citizen as “a reinforcement of our shared commitment to advancing clean, sustainable, and inclusive growth.”
Global Citizen Co-Founder and CEO Hugh Evans said the Johannesburg summit will be a “defining moment” for Africa’s future, urging governments and investors to mobilise resources to power the continent’s energy transformation.
This will be the first Global Citizen NOW summit held on African soil, joining previous editions in cities such as New York, Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro, Detroit, Belém, and Seville.
More information is available at globalcitizen.org/en/now/johannesburg, with further details expected in the coming weeks.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
