The Global Energy Supply Crisis: A Chance for Africa to Lead?

This transcript has been lightly edited for clarity. Repeated words and obvious transcription errors have been removed without changing the meaning of the conversation.

The global picture

Dr Davies Tsikayi: Welcome to Energy & Coffee, where we discuss the money, the megawatts and the momentum shaping Africa's energy future. Today, we are in conversation with Henry Gilfillan about supply and demand, new gas-to-power investment and what these developments mean for South Africa and the region.

Henry Gilfillan: The key message from Gastech was simple: the world needs more energy. Electricity demand is rising through AI, data centres, economic growth and the need to expand affordable access to energy.

At the same time, supply is becoming more disrupted and more variable. Countries need a more diversified, resilient energy system that can respond when traditional sources are constrained or renewable generation changes with the weather.

Africa's opportunity

Henry Gilfillan: Africa featured prominently in global energy discussions because it can become an increasingly important source of supply for Europe and Asia. But the opportunity is broader than exports: African entrepreneurs, businesses and governments can build industries, infrastructure and affordable energy systems around this demand.

The conversation also considers gas, critical minerals and renewable resources as part of a wider African energy story - one that can help address energy poverty and support economic development.

South Africa's choices

Dr Davies Tsikayi: Is gas-to-power the right move for South Africa, particularly when electricity is already expensive and future demand is uncertain?

Henry Gilfillan: LNG should not be seen only as a fuel molecule; it is also a source of energy security. Flexible gas infrastructure can provide power when other generation is unavailable, while storage and renewables remain essential to the long-term system.

Southern Africa's biggest challenge is creating bankable demand at regional scale. South Africa's market, regional integration, coordinated infrastructure and smarter energy contracts can help unlock supply while supporting development across neighbouring countries.

The way forward

The episode closes with a warning that South Africa cannot be passive about the approaching gas cliff. Resolving it requires a coordinated national effort across government, industry, transport and energy institutions - alongside decisive action on LNG terminals, storage and long-term energy planning.

Henry Gilfillan: Africa has a short window to secure supply for industry and flexible power. The question is whether the region can coordinate quickly enough to turn that urgency into opportunity.