The G20 Africa Energy Investment Forum – hosted by the African Energy Chamber – concluded with a panel discussion highlighting what Southern Africa needs to fully harness its gas resources for economic growth and energy security.
Kara Neale, Commercial Leader at Clarke Energy, emphasized that sovereign guarantees are critical for building investor confidence and accelerating gas development.
“There is no shortage of energy demand. The real challenge is securing the molecules,” Neale said. “We have demand and willing financiers, but projects struggle to reach bankability without proven gas discoveries.”
Neale noted that South Africa’s guarantees under the Renewable Energy Power Producer Procurement Program attracted global renewable energy investment, arguing that similar mechanisms could unlock capital across the gas value chain.
“Current projects are moving forward mainly because companies are taking on the risk. With government guarantees, the market could expand significantly,” she added.
Lwazi Sihlobo, Business Development Manager at bp Southern Africa, echoed the need for solid offtake agreements.
“We acted as an offtaker in a gas project in Mozambique which we plan to use to meet growing demand in South Africa,” he said. “South Africa has a planned gas terminal project, which is a right step, however industrial demand alone is not adequate for the project to materialize. There is need for additional buyers or guarantees.”
Selma Shimutwikeni, Founder and CEO of RichAfrica Consultancy, stressed the importance of policy certainty and clear national frameworks.
“Investors need stability. Policy clarity reduces a country’s risk profile. In Namibia, Vision 2030 provides a clear development roadmap,” she said, urging stronger public–private partnerships and greater reliance on African capital.
Nazeem Braaf, Executive in the Office of the CEO at SANPC, supported these points, saying the company will prioritize investments across the entire gas value chain to secure South Africa’s supply.
“We are advancing strategic partnerships to boost exploration and production. South Africa has become the largest importer of finished petroleum products in Africa, and that must change,” Braaf said. “Restarting domestic refining capacity is a priority, with Mossel Bay at the top of our list.”
Adrian Strydom, Executive Director and CEO of the South African Oil & Gas Alliance, added that cross-border collaboration remains central to the industry’s growth.
“Many South African companies operate regionally in Namibia and Mozambique. We facilitate business-to-business engagements to support their participation and expand opportunities across the region,” he said.
