Introduction
Parliamentarians from across Southern Africa gathered this week in Maputo for a high-level dialogue that may well define the next chapter in the region’s energy future. Against the backdrop of intensifying climate impacts and economic dependency on fossil fuels, the conference – hosted by SARW, the Parliament of Mozambique, the Institute for Multiparty Democracy (IMD), and the SADC Parliamentary Forum – set out to answer a pressing question: Is Southern Africa ready to decarbonise?
The answer that emerged was nuanced yet unequivocal: the region is not only preparing to transition but doing so through a framework rooted in justice, sovereignty, and shared responsibility.
LEGISLATIVE RESOLVE FOR A JUST TRANSITION
In response to these challenges, the Southern Africa Resource Watch (SARW), in partnership with the International Senior Lawyers Project (ISLP) and Open Society Foundations (OSF), convened a two-day stakeholder dialogue in Johannesburg on 26–27 June 2025. The meeting brought together over forty participants, including legal experts, civil society organisations, mining researchers, and government representatives, to examine the mining tax laws and fiscal frameworks of the DRC, Zambia, and Madagascar and to chart pathways towards more transparent, accountable, and development-focused mineral revenue systems.
WALKING THE TIGHTROPE: COMBINING DEVELOPMENT AND DECARBONISATION
The political dilemma was laid bare by MPs like Hon. Mikateko Mahlaule (South Africa), Hon. Georges Bokondu (DRC), and Hon. Sergio Vaz and Hon. Aia-Eza Gomes da Silva (Angola). Together, they argued that while Southern Africa must prepare for a low-carbon future, unless viable alternatives are rapidly scaled up, fossil fuels remain critical for financing development, energy access, and economic resilience.
This perspective was echoed by institutional actors, including the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the African Energy Commission (AFREC) of the African Union. Both emphasized the importance of gas as a transitional fuel that can bridge current energy needs with long-term sustainability goals – particularly in regions with limited access to clean, reliable power. However, the continent must map out a well thought fossils fuels and energy transition pathways.
Hon. Gomes da Silva – Angola’s former Deputy Finance Minister and current MP- underscored the role of economic diversification as the bedrock of Angola’s energy transition. “We must escape the single-resource trap. This isn’t just about energy – it’s about transforming the structure of our economies,” she said.
OVERSIGHT, TRANSPARENCY, AND CLIMATE DIPLOMACY
Speakers called for a radical shift in how parliaments exercise their oversight role. From public registers of climate finance to conditionalities on fossil fuel lending, delegates advocated a new framework for institutionalized transparency and accountability. Parliamentarians were urged to develop approval checklists for oil and gas projects, particularly to safeguard environmental and social standards across borders.
Prof. Carlos Serra and Hon. Fasiha Hassan underscored the need to embed just energy transition (JET) considerations in all legislative processes—from budget cycles to climate diplomacy. The proposal for SADC PF to host regular reporting mechanisms was strongly supported.
LESSONS FROM NORWAY: INSTITUTIONS BEFORE RESOURCES
One of the most striking presentations came from Vermund Vikjord of the Royal Norwegian Embassy. Norway’s energy story – once seen as improbable – involved transforming oil windfalls into a nearly €2 trillion sovereign wealth fund. But, as Vikjord noted, “It wasn’t just the oil. It was the strength of Norway’s institutions.” He outlined how strong parliamentary controls, ethical investing, and transparent fund governance were key to avoiding the “resource curse” and steering the energy transition.
The Norwegian experience, he said, offers lessons for Southern Africa: build human capital, separate earnings from spending, and ensure climate risk is actively managed in public and private portfolios.
IT’S ALL ABOUT DIGNITY, ENVIRONMENTAL INTEGRITY: YOUTH, INCLUSION, AND REGIONAL COHESION IN ENERGY TRANSITIONS
Another urgent theme was inclusion. The Maputo gathering committed to legislating youth representation in energy policymaking and climate hearings. Parliamentarians under 35 will lead the newly proposed Regional Youth Council on Energy Transition, tasked with shaping policies that reflect future needs. Gender was also central, with support for a Women’s Caucus to spotlight the disproportionate burdens and overlooked leadership of women in climate-vulnerable regions.
Participants agreed that justice in the energy transition must include reskilling, education, public benefit-sharing, and renewable infrastructure investment.
CLIMATE DIPLOMACY: AFRICAN UNITY IN GLOBAL CLIMATE FORUMS
A key voice came from Leon Mulama of the African Group of Negotiators Experts Support (AGNES), who reminded parliamentarians that Africa enters global climate negotiations with a unified voice. Aligning with the Group of 77 and Least Developed Countries (LDC) caucus, Africa’s strategy is grounded in the Paris Agreement’s principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC).
“African priorities – adaptation, poverty eradication, sustainable development, value addition of critical minerals, and a balanced energy mix – are not side notes. They are central to climate justice,” Mulama said.
The Road Ahead
As the curtains fell on the Maputo meeting, with delegates resolving to form a regional parliamentary caucus on fossil fuels and energy transition, there was a commitment to utilise this platform to:
- Advocate a unified regional voice at COP30, the Africa Climate Summit, and G20.
- Institutionalize regional legislative cooperation on fossil fuels, renewables, and climate diplomacy.
- Promote electrification and universal energy access in line with SDG 7.
- Use fossil fuel revenues to fund adaptation, public services, and clean technology development.
In the words of Dr Claude Kabemba, the Executive Director of SARW, “This is not about replacing fossil fuels with a new elite – it’s about replacing old models with justice.”
As SARW and its partners move forward with this ambitious agenda, the message from Maputo is clear: Southern Africa’s parliaments are stepping into the energy transition with both eyes open – committed to justice, increased oversight over the executive and fossil fuel companies, and accountable to their citizens.
