Parliamentary Leadership: The Energy Transition and the Oil and Gas Economy in SADC Maputo, Mozambique

From the 29th – 30th July, SARW, in partnership the National Assembly of Mozambique, IMD and SADC Parliamentary Forum co-hosted the “Parliamentary Leadership: Energy Transition and SADC’s Oil and Gas Economy” regional dialogue in Maputo on oil, gas, and the energy transition.

Speakers framed the dialogue as a timely and strategic regional initiative aimed at deepening the role of parliamentary leadership in steering a just and inclusive energy transition across Southern Africa.

Seven Key Recommendations that came out of the dialogue included:

1. The Just Energy Transition Must be Equitable to be Practical
2. The Platform Has Been Built – Real progress can be made by effectively using it
3. Parliamentarians need climate science and negotiation tools
4. Academic Institutions should anchor the transition
5. Capital must come with accountability
6. Call for a Working Group to follow up on discussions made during the dialogue
7. Documentation and Knowledge Sharing are essential

Ultimately, the message was relayed that if the energy transition is to succeed, it must do so through the leadership of African parliaments, and that whether the continent continues with fossil fuels, pivots to renewables, or blends approaches, parliaments must ensure that the people’s voices remain at the center of all decisions