Secretary-General, Mr Sindiso Ngwenya has said that the COMESA region urgently needs investment in the energy sector in order to unlock growth and create the much needed employment for the people. “Africa has enormous potential and enough natural resources for the energy sector to thrive, but the region seriously lacks funds to develop the sector. Sovereign funds, equity funds and generally the private sector need to be attracted to Africa to invest in this very viable sector,” he said.

While meeting the Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai International Centre (DIFC), Mr Jeff Singer; the Secretary-General went ahead to elaborate on how his organisation can help manage potential investors who can be interested in the different regional and national projects that can help Africa improve its energy sector.

At the meeting, which took place in Dubai this week, improving agriculture and tourism in the COMESA region were also discussed. It was pointed out that since tourism has worked well for Dubai, it could do the same for Africa.

The two leaders exchanged practical ideas on how the sector can be helped and follow up actions were agreed upon. This meeting will lead into more interactions and engagements during the Africa Business Forum, which will take place in May this year. Mr Singer pledged to mobilise potential investors to attend the forum and be privy to what COMESA and Africa have to offer.