African Union Ministerial Session on Transport and Energy Holds in South Africa
The African Union Ministerial Session Transport and Energy will be hosted by the Government of the Republic of South Africa in Johannesburg from 27 to 30 April 2026, convened by the African Union Commission (AUC). The high-level meeting, led by H.E. Lerato D. Mataboge, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, aims to strengthen Africa’s infrastructure systems, boost intra-African trade, and accelerate energy integration across the continent.
Strategic Meeting Amid Global Shifts
The upcoming ministerial session comes at a time when Africa is repositioning itself within a rapidly changing global geopolitical and economic landscape.
According to the official AU statement, the continent is prioritising:
- Resilient infrastructure systems
- Regional integration
- Reduced external dependency
- Stronger participation in global value chains
The session represents the African Union’s highest ministerial platform for transport and energy policy coordination.
Leadership and Policy Direction
H.E. Lerato D. Mataboge, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy at the AUC, confirmed that preparations have been completed with a focused and forward-looking agenda.
She emphasised that:
- Member States are central to decision-making
- Policies must translate into measurable outcomes
- Infrastructure must deliver real economic impact
In her words, Africa must:
- Strengthen ownership of its development agenda
- Deepen intra-African trade
- Build interconnected and efficient systems
Building on Zanzibar 2023 Outcomes
The 2026 session builds on resolutions from the Fourth Ordinary Session held in Zanzibar in 2023, where ministers called for:
- Faster implementation of infrastructure projects
- Stronger alignment between continental and national priorities
Since then, progress has been recorded across several flagship initiatives.
Key Infrastructure Progress Across Africa
Major Transport Projects
One of the most notable projects highlighted is:
- Abidjan–Lagos Highway
- Length: Over 1,000 kilometres
- Value: Approximately $15 billion
- Framework: Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA)
This corridor is expected to significantly enhance trade and mobility across West Africa.
Rising Electricity Access
Energy access has also improved significantly:
- 2017: ~51% electricity access
- 2023: Over 61% access
- Impact: Over 120 million additional people connected
This reflects steady progress toward universal energy access.
African Single Electricity Market
The African Single Electricity Market (AfSEM) continues to advance:
- Promotes cross-border electricity trade
- Supports system integration
- Enhances energy efficiency and resilience
Integrated Infrastructure Vision
Africa is increasingly adopting a corridor-based development model, linking:
- Transport systems (roads, rail, air)
- Energy infrastructure
- Digital networks
Additional developments include:
- Improved air connectivity
- Digitalisation and greening of ports
- Expansion of rail and road networks
These efforts are aligned with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), aimed at unlocking industrial and trade potential.
New Strategic Initiatives Under Review
The Johannesburg session is expected to deliberate on several forward-looking frameworks, including:
- Ubuntu Legacy Initiative
- Africa Ten-Year Infrastructure Investment Plan for Cross-Border Connectivity
Ministers will also consider:
- Strengthening governance mechanisms
- Mobilising climate finance for infrastructure projects
- Enhancing accountability systems
South Africa’s Strategic Role
South Africa’s hosting of the session underscores its leadership in continental and global infrastructure discussions.
The country recently hosted the G20, where key themes included:
- Infrastructure development
- Energy transition
- Sustainable connectivity
This positions South Africa as a central player in shaping Africa’s infrastructure future.
Institutional Transition and Leadership Change
The session will also mark a significant governance transition.
- Ethiopia, the current Chair, will hand over leadership
- A new Bureau will be elected to guide the committee
This ensures continuity and renewed direction for AU infrastructure initiatives.
Broader Implications for Africa
The African Union Ministerial Session Transport and Energy is expected to:
Strengthen Regional Integration
By improving connectivity and harmonising policies across countries.
Boost Economic Growth
Through infrastructure investments that facilitate trade and industrialisation.
Enhance Energy Security
Via cross-border electricity systems and expanded access.
Improve Global Positioning
By enabling Africa to negotiate better within global supply chains and financing systems.
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