By Sitha Maliwa:
Actress, humanitarian, and Global Citizen Ambassador Nomzamo Mbatha has been announced as the host for the inaugural Global Citizen NOW: Johannesburg summit, a historic event marking the first-ever edition of the prestigious summit on African soil.
The summit, hosted in partnership with Harith General Partners, arrives at a critical moment as Africa accelerates its journey toward clean, inclusive, and sustainable energy growth. Leaders, innovators, and changemakers from across the continent and the world are set to converge to discuss strategies, investment, and solutions that could transform Africa’s energy future.
For Mbatha, hosting the summit represents far more than a high-profile public role -it is a call to action for Africa’s energy transformation.
“Access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy is essential to Africa’s economic transformation,” Mbatha said. “This is about more than powering homes; it’s about empowering communities, driving inclusive growth, and ensuring a greener future for generations to come.”
The summit will coincide with major pledging events, where governments, investors, and development institutions are expected to announce substantial funding commitments to accelerate Africa’s clean energy transition.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised the continent’s potential as a renewable energy powerhouse, urging the world to match Africa’s ambition with action.
“Africa holds immense potential for renewable energy and the world is taking notice,” said von der Leyen. “Through our Global Gateway investment strategy, Europe is partnering with Africa to build a clean, sustainable, and prosperous future. My message is clear: now is the time to invest in powering Africa’s future.”
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema emphasized that solar, wind, and hydro investments are key to driving industrial growth and prosperity across Africa.
The summit also includes the Reverse Power Panel, a youth-focused session highlighting how young Africans are shaping policy and innovation in the energy sector. Speakers will include Global Citizen’s Scaling Up Renewables in Africa Fellows, Deputy Minister of Electricity & Energy Samantha Graham-Maré, and Africa Change Lab Director Bhekumuzi Dean Bhebhe.
Backed by partners such as Octopus Energy, Pele Energy Group, Transenergy Global, Genesis Energy, and PayPal, the Johannesburg summit is expected to ignite commitments, inspire collaborations, and send a powerful message: Africa is ready to lead the global clean energy revolution – and Mbatha is at the forefront of telling that story. –@NewsSA_Online
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