Policymakers, civil society leaders, and industry players from across Africa have urged citizens to take a more active role in the continent’s energy transformation during the 7th Citizen Convention on Extractives (CCE 2025) held at Mestil Hotel in Kampala.
Organized by Global Rights Alert (GRA) under the theme “Africa’s Energy 2045 Outlook: The Role of Citizen Agency,” the convention explored how citizen engagement can drive a sustainable and inclusive energy transition.
In her opening remarks, Winfred Ngabiirwe, Executive Director of GRA, stressed that communities must be central to Africa’s energy journey.
“Africa’s energy journey cannot be complete without citizens at the heart of it,” Ngabiirwe said. “Communities should not be bystanders but key actors in shaping outcomes.”
Representing the European Union, an EU official commended Uganda’s efforts in promoting transparency and pledged continued support for citizen-led initiatives.
“The EU remains committed to supporting citizen-led accountability and sustainable energy development in Africa,” the representative said.
“Platforms like the Citizen Convention on Extractives reflect the spirit of partnership needed to ensure the energy transition benefits both people and the planet.”
Delivering the keynote address, Benjamin Boakye, Executive Director of the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) in Ghana, urged African countries to chart their own energy pathways, balancing innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity.
“Africa must define its own energy pathway—one that leverages our natural wealth while prioritizing people and innovation,” Boakye stated. “Citizen agency is central to achieving this vision.”
Minister of Internal Affairs Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Kahinda Otafiire, in his remarks, reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency and public participation in managing natural resources.
“Accountability in the extractives sector is not a favour; it’s a shared responsibility that strengthens our nation and drives inclusive development,” Otafiire said.
The one-day convention included keynote reflections, interactive dialogues, and panel discussions on financing, local impact, innovation, and sustainability.
Participants are expected to develop actionable commitments to advance Africa’s energy transition through collaboration, transparency, and active citizen engagement.
