EnergyInc plans to reduce risks in Africa’s energy projects

EnergyInc has announced a comprehensive strategy aimed at mitigating investment and operational risks in major energy projects across Africa, seeking to foster a sustainable and secure energy future for the continent. The energy giant revealed the initiative as part of its newly launched Africa Energy Risk Mitigation Programme during a high-level forum attended by industry stakeholders, government representatives, and project financiers.

During his presentation, the Chief Executive Officer of EnergyInc emphasized that while Africa’s energy potential is immense, it remains underexploited partly due to persistent risks—regulatory uncertainty, financing hurdles, infrastructure gaps, and social resistance. He explained that the company’s programme is designed to directly address these concerns and lower barriers to entry for both public and private sector participants.

“As an energy major with long-standing operations on the continent, we have seen firsthand how critical projects collapse over avoidable drawbacks,” the CEO stated. “Our mission is to work proactively with governments, development partners, and local communities to anticipate and neutralize these obstacles before they threaten project viability.”

Central to the plan, EnergyInc said it would partner with national governments to support more stable regulatory regimes. The company will offer technical and financial assistance to refine energy policies, licensing frameworks, and inspection protocols. These efforts are expected to lead to clearer investment terms, faster regulatory approvals, and more reliable timelines for project execution.

Another key component of the programme involves financial de-risking. EnergyInc intends to work with multilateral development banks, export credit agencies, and private equity firms to structure blended finance models and guarantees. These instruments are meant to increase the attractiveness of energy investments by protecting against political risks like expropriation, sudden policy changes, or foreign exchange instability. “By working collaboratively, we can unlock capital that would otherwise shy away from Africa’s risk profile,” the CEO added.

Infrastructure shortfalls are also high on the agenda. EnergyInc said it aimed to accelerate offshore gas-to-power and solar/wind power plant projects by coordinating grid upgrades, port development, and pipeline construction in partnership with local engineering firms. The company will also pilot a project to install remote monitoring systems and predictive maintenance protocols—cost-effective measures that EnergyInc argues can significantly improve project reliability and lifespan.

Community relations and social license to operate (SLO) are yet another priority. Recognizing that local resistance can derail even well-funded energy developments, EnergyInc said it will implement community engagement protocols designed to ensure inclusivity, transparency, and shared benefits. These include local hiring initiatives, social investment projects in education and healthcare, and structured grievance redress mechanisms. “Energy projects must uplift, not sideline, local communities,” the CEO emphasized.

Participants at the forum expressed broad support for the strategy. A senior government official from an East African country praised EnergyInc’s approach, stating that “if well-executed, this could transform our energy landscape by reducing uncertainty and accelerating access to reliable power.” A representative from a development finance institution echoed the sentiment, calling the concept a “game-changer” for provoking capital inflows that had stalled due to risk aversion.

Some independent analysts, while supportive, caution that success hinges not just on capital and expertise, but on sustained political will. They noted that many African governments face structural challenges—bureaucratic inertia, governance gaps, and transition risks—that require long-term commitment beyond initial project stages. For EnergyInc’s plan to work, these hurdles must be tackled in parallel.

The company also revealed that a pilot phase has already begun. Two power-generation projects in West Africa have entered the programme: a 150-megawatt solar-plus-battery plant and a gas-fired plant designed for industrial zones. EnergyInc claimed that both projects have made “marked improvements” in financing terms and community contracting since joining the programme—delivering early signs of de-risking in action.

Looking ahead, EnergyInc plans to recruit specialists in political risk management, contract arbitration, and stakeholder engagement to its Africa team. The company also intends to collaborate with regulatory think tanks and academic institutions to refine its risk mitigation methodologies continuously. Training workshops across the continent will be offered to government agencies and project developers—sharing the frameworks underpinning EnergyInc’s strategy.

The company’s broader ambition is to apply this model to a wider range of energy assets, including onshore gas fields, natural gas liquids facilities, and regional electricity interconnections. It believes that establishing a repeatable process for de-risking can shift the investment calculus in favor of Africa, positioning the continent as a competitive destination rather than a risky outlier.

As countries accelerate electrification to meet climate and development targets, funding such projects has become critical. EnergyInc’s risk mitigation programme seeks to bridge the gap between ambition and reality by aligning commercial, social, and regulatory interests.

By offering collaborative frameworks that make energy projects more predictable and less exposed to common pitfalls, EnergyInc is setting the stage for accelerated energy infrastructure deployment. If the model delivers on its promise, it could reshape the low-carbon energy landscape in Africa, driving economic growth and delivering power where it’s most needed.