Energy Summit calls on African nations to prepare local communities before investment projects begin

CAPE TOWN: THE African governments have been urged to educate and prepare local communities before investment projects begin, enabling citizens to participate in and benefit from the opportunities they create.

Uganda’s Minister for Energy and Mineral Development, Monica Masanza, made the call during a panel discussion on local content at African Energy Week in South Africa, stressing the need to build community capacity before projects are implemented.

Dr Masanza said it is important to distinguish investors from aid providers and promote open discussions on industrial value chains to expand trade and investment across Africa.

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According to the minister, communities need to understand investment projects and their potential opportunities to ensure they could take part in the economic benefits generated.

Equatorial Guinea’s Deputy Minister responsible for local content, Domingo Mba Esono, said a strong African economy should be built through domestic private companies.

The discussion on policies, capacity and investment in local content brought together participants from Uganda, Namibia, Senegal, Equatorial Guinea, Angola and Ivory Coast. It was moderated by BP South Africa Communications Manager Eva Khosa.