Kindiki Pushes for Bigger Investment in Clean Energy Across Africa

Access to affordable and reliable electricity will determine how fast Africa industrialises, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has said, as he urged governments and investors to increase funding for clean energy and critical infrastructure across the continent.

Speaking during the Infrastructure for Africa Forum and the Africa50 General Meeting in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Kindiki said Africa has no shortage of energy resources but has not invested enough to fully utilise them. He represented President William Ruto at the high-level meeting, which brought together African leaders, financiers and development partners to discuss infrastructure financing.

He said expanding electricity access is no longer just an energy issue but an economic priority, noting that industries, businesses and growing cities need dependable power to drive production, create jobs and support long-term development.

“The Africa of the future requires adequate, accessible and affordable energy to power the Continent’s industrialisation,” Kindiki said.

The Deputy President pointed out that Africa is home to vast renewable energy resources, including solar, wind, geothermal and hydropower, alongside significant natural gas reserves that can help close the continent’s electricity gap. However, he said these resources will only benefit citizens if countries invest in projects that can generate and distribute power efficiently.

Kindiki called for stronger collaboration between governments, private investors and development finance institutions to finance large-scale infrastructure projects. He said improving access to capital will enable African nations to accelerate the construction of power plants, transmission lines and other facilities needed to support economic growth.

He also emphasised that investors are more likely to commit to long-term projects when countries maintain stable political environments and consistent policies. According to him, confidence from both local and international investors will be critical in helping Africa meet its infrastructure needs.

The discussions in Dar es Salaam come as many African countries pursue ambitious plans to expand electricity access while increasing the share of renewable energy in their power mix. Better infrastructure is also expected to support manufacturing, regional trade and economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

The forum, hosted by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, focused on practical solutions for financing infrastructure projects that can unlock growth across the continent.

Kindiki’s visit to Tanzania followed his participation in the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia summit in Entebbe, Uganda, where he also represented President Ruto. His latest engagement reflects Kenya’s continued role in regional discussions on development, investment and economic cooperation.