The article explores how Africa is transforming from a raw material supplier to a central player in global energy geopolitics.Despite hosting 18% of the world's population, Africa accounts for only 6% of global energy consumption due to underinvestment, poor infrastructure, and weak governance.

Key players like Nigeria (oil), Algeria (natural gas), and Angola (hydrocarbons) dominate traditional energy markets, while countries such as Morocco (solar) and Kenya (geothermal) lead in renewables.Global powers—China, the EU, and the US—are vying for influence through infrastructure investments and supply chain control.Critical minerals like cobalt from the DRC and lithium from Zambia/Zimbabwe are pivotal for clean energy transitions.However, Africa faces challenges including a $100 billion capital gap and reliance on raw material exports.

The piece emphasizes the need for integrated policies, industrialization, and sustainable development to avoid remaining trapped in an unequal global system.