Natural gas is not only a cleaner alternative to coal but also a reliable energy source that can support various sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture, and transportation.

Energy poverty remains a critical issue in sub-Saharan Africa, where approximately 600 million people lack reliable electricity.

Many African countries have large natural gas reserves, especially in places like Mozambique and Tanzania, where major discoveries have been made in recent years.

The recent Russian Energy Week has opened new avenues for collaboration between Russia and African nations, emphasizing the potential benefits for the continent's energy landscape.

Africa's oil and gas industry holds immense potential, with several countries emerging as key players in both production and future exploration.

China was ready to step up cooperation with Africa in industry, agriculture, infrastructure, trade and investment, Xi told delegates from more than 50 African nations gathered in Beijing for the three-yearly Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit.

"Africa's vast potential to drive forward climate solutions is being thwarted by an epidemic of underinvestment,"

The inclusion of development projects in Mpumalanga is an attempt to cushion that region from the economic impact of facilities closing down. Almost all of South Africa’s electricity — more than 80% of which comes from coal — is generated in the province.

While South Africa and Russia back the addition of new members, India is wary of the group becoming a mouthpiece for China, and Brazil is worried about alienating the West.

Two more countries - Zimbabwe and Ethiopia - have signed agreements with Russia to cooperate on the peaceful use of nuclear technology on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum, which has been taking place in St Petersburg.

Unemployment in South Africa is already among the highest of more than 80 nations

The recommendations come at a time when South Africa is suffering its worst ever power cuts, with blackouts of more than 10 hours a day and a slowing economy, and is opening up the electricity generation industry to private operators.

Regardless of how this breakdown occurred, it is the symptom of greater issues with South Africa’s energy infrastructure.

Africa’s ability to leapfrog traditional power systems and adopt renewables on a massive scale is not a fantasy. In-depth studies from Wärtsilä have demonstrated that with the adequate support of flexible power technologies, ambitious renewable energy objectives in Africa are not only achievable, they also represent the soundest and cheapest strategy for the successful electrification of the continent.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa declared a state of disaster to enable the government to accelerate its response to an ongoing energy crisis, and said he’ll appoint a minister in his office who will focus on boosting the power supply.