The Role of the Private Sector in Africa’s Energy Transition
British American Tobacco Nigeria has urged the private sector to take a more active role in developing sustainable energy systems and supporting Africa’s shift toward cleaner, more resilient power sources. This call for action was made during the 2025 edition of the Private Sector ESG Forum held in Lagos.
Yarub Al-Bahrani, the Managing Director of BAT West and Central Africa, delivered the keynote address at the event, which focused on the theme “Energy Security and Decarbonisation: Bridging the Gap for a Sustainable Future in Africa.” He emphasized that private enterprises must move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps to support Nigeria’s sustainability goals.
Al-Bahrani highlighted that Africa’s energy challenges require urgent and coordinated leadership from the private sector. He stated:
“While Africa continues to face significant energy access challenges, the private sector must play a leading role in decarbonisation and building sustainable energy systems for future generations.”
BAT Nigeria’s Sustainability Milestones
The company has made significant strides in its sustainability efforts. Al-Bahrani noted that BAT Nigeria has transitioned 100% of its operations from diesel to compressed natural gas. Additionally, the company installed a 1.4 MW solar power system at its Ibadan factory and has maintained a zero-waste-to-landfill record since 2021.
“These initiatives are central to our target of achieving a 50% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 2030,” he added.
Collaboration for a Sustainable Future
Al-Bahrani also stressed the importance of collaboration between the government, the private sector, and civil society to unlock investment in clean energy and accelerate Africa’s transition. He said:
“Sustainability is not a corporate slogan; it is a collective responsibility. If we are to bridge the gap between energy security and decarbonisation, we must build together through enabling policy, innovation, and shared commitment.”
Key Themes of the 2025 Forum
The 2025 Private Sector ESG Forum, organized in partnership with TGI Group, BAT Nigeria, Stanbic IBTC, and NESGAS Producing, featured two plenary sessions:
- From Production to Consumption: Building Resilient and Sustainable Energy Value Chains
- Financing Africa’s Energy Transition: Unlocking Capital for Gas and Renewables in a Balanced Energy Future
Participants discussed the need for an inclusive and innovative approach to Africa’s energy transition. They emphasized the importance of focusing on access to clean energy, policy alignment, and sustainable financing to address the continent’s growing energy gap.
Key Takeaways from the Forum
The forum brought together stakeholders from various sectors to discuss strategies for a more sustainable energy future. Some of the key points included:
- The necessity of creating policies that encourage private sector participation in clean energy projects.
- The importance of innovation in developing new technologies that support decarbonisation.
- The need for increased investment in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power.
Conclusion
As Africa faces increasing energy demands and environmental challenges, the role of the private sector becomes even more critical. Companies like British American Tobacco Nigeria are setting examples by implementing sustainable practices and investing in clean energy solutions.
Through collaboration and shared commitment, the continent can work towards a more secure and sustainable energy future. The 2025 Private Sector ESG Forum served as a platform for dialogue and action, highlighting the path forward for a balanced and inclusive energy transition.