Energy conglomerate Sahara Group has called for a fresh approach to Africa’s energy transition, infrastructure funding, and media coverage, arguing that global solutions must adapt to the continent’s practical realities.
Speaking at the third edition of Asharami Square, the Group’s flagship thought leadership platform, held under the theme “Energising Africa’s Future: Legacy, Impact and Transformation,” stakeholders emphasised the need for stronger institutions, bankable projects, and evidence-based reporting to drive sustainable development.
Ejiro Gray, Sahara Group’s Director of Governance and Sustainability, stressed that Africa’s energy transition must strike a balance between environmental goals and economic development.
Gray challenged journalists to go beyond basic headlines, urging them to provide context, interrogate policy, and highlight missing perspectives in energy reporting.
“Effective journalism should not only tell us what happened; it should help us understand why it matters, whose interests are affected, and what perspectives are missing from the conversation,” she said.
She stated that while this year is special for Sahara Group as it celebrates 30th anniversary, reflecting its resilience, it is also a time for reflection on the way forward for sustainability.
According to her, the company’s 30th anniversary theme, “Beyond XXX vision” focuses on shaping the future rather than dwelling on past achievements.
Keynote speaker Sadiq Wanka, who is Special Adviser to the President on Power Infrastructure, pointed to growing opportunities created by ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s electricity sector, particularly in mini-grids, embedded generation, and transmission.
According to Wanka, these reforms are unlocking investment potential across embedded generation, mini-grids, renewable energy, transmission infrastructure, and industrial power solutions.
“The issue is no longer technology,” Wanka noted. “The real challenge is mobilising capital at scale, structuring bankable opportunities, and creating an ecosystem that attracts long-term financing.”
He also called on journalists to move beyond policy announcements and focus on implementation outcomes, investment trends, and the practical impact of reforms on businesses and communities.
A panel session featuring industry leaders, moderated by Adebiyi Olusolape, Associate Editor, Africa at Argus Media, explored the question: “Who is Financing Africa’s Energy Future?”
The panelists included Temitope George, CEO of the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission (LASERC); Kemi Awodein, MD of Investment Banking at Chapel Hill Denham; and Prof. Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika, Director, Institute of Continuing Education, University of Lagos.
The panelists concluded that unlocking domestic and international capital in Africa requires strong governance, project readiness, and market transparency.
Prof. Ogwezzy-Ndisika stressed that energy reporting must evolve beyond headline-driven coverage to become more analytical and solutions-oriented.
According to her, “Journalists need to ask deeper questions, examine the evidence, and connect policy decisions to their impact on communities and everyday lives.”
Temitope George emphasized that investment readiness remains a critical factor in unlocking capital, while Kemi Awodein underscored the importance of governance and transparency.
“The real differentiator is governance, transparency, and a clear pathway to value creation.”
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Sahara Group Launches Fellowship to Strengthen Energy Reporting
The event also unveiled the judging panel for the Asharami Square Energy Reporting Fellowship, an initiative designed to build the capacity of journalists covering Africa’s evolving energy landscape.
Bethel Obioma, Sahara Group’s Head of Corporate Communications, explained that the fellowship is aimed at strengthening the capacity of journalism in the energy beat, focusing on solution-based stories.
“Through the Fellowship, we are investing in the capacity of journalists to tell more solutions-focused and evidence-based stories that reflect the realities, opportunities, and challenges of Africa’s energy transition,” Mr Obioma stated.
He added that the programme aligns with Sahara Group’s Beyond XXX vision of investing in people and platforms that will shape Africa’s future.
Prof. Ogwezzy-Ndisika will serve as the lead assessor for the fellowship.
Since its launch in 2024, Asharami Square has become a key platform for informed dialogue, strategic partnerships, and practical solutions supporting Africa’s evolving energy landscape—reinforcing Sahara Group’s commitment to creating sustainable impact beyond its first three decades.
Victor Ezeja is a Nigerian journalist skilled in producing insightful news analyses, feature stories, and interviews that simplify complex issues and drive informed public discourse. His work combines rigorous research, balanced reporting, and compelling storytelling to highlight developments shaping industries and society. Victor, who holds a Master's Degree in Mass Communication, specializes in energy, aviation, business, and economic reporting. He can be reached via @VICTOREZEJA on X