Africa's shared resources at a crossroads as disputes blight benefits

Water spills over violently at Masinga Dam due to the heavy downpour across the country. TARDA MD Liben Roba Assured residents that precautionary measures have been put in place. May 2, 2024[Murithi Mugo, Standard] Africa's growing demand for electricity has put a spotlight on shared water basins, cross-border power lines, and regional energy corridors. These resources could unlock cheaper, cleaner, and more reliable electricity for millions. However, geopolitical tensions threaten to undermine cooperation and slow regional projects. Experts warn that African countries must resolve political disputes if they want to exploit hydropower, solar fields, and gas deposits across borders. Some recent examples show the risks of conflicts stemming from these unresolved differences. Ethiopia's 6,000-megawatt Grand Renaissance Dam has stirred disagreements with Egypt over downstream water flow. This has caused delays and fears of a broader diplomatic crisis. "We need to resolve problems," said Mr. Gosaye Mengistie, a senior energy advisor to Ethiopia's Minister. "If shared rivers become obstacles, no one benefits. We must think of shared dams as a path to common prosperity." Neighbouring countries face similar struggles. Ghana has an uncompleted hydropower project that crosses into Togo's territory. "If we develop the site, some communities in Togo may be flooded," said Seth Agbeve Mahu, Director of Renewable Energy at Ghana's Ministry of Energy. "So, we must ensure that Togo also gains economically. Otherwise, political friction will block progress. We cannot let that happen." Others see these disputes as part of a larger geopolitical dynamic. "We have the Grand Renaissance Dam," said Mahu, "but we also have tensions over cross-border pipelines and energy trade." He suggested that organi sations like the African Union and regional bodies such as ECOWAS should step in early to mediate. "If we strengthen these institutions, we can avoid misunderstandings," he said. Dr. Kandeh Yumkellah, Chairman of Sierra Leone's Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy & Food Security, stressed the importance of solidarity. "We are all under energy stress," he said. "More than 600 million Africans still lack electricity. Instead of fighting over shared water or gas fields, let's pool resources. If we trade more energy, Africa can be self-sufficient. Countries with hydro can sell power. Countries with gas can generate electricity. All of us have solar. We must cooperate to tap these assets." In Namibia, Hon. Thomas Alweendo, Minister of Mines and Energy, acknowledged that his country needs external partnerships but also stable diplomacy. "We have world-class solar," he said. "We have licenses for wind projects in the south. Yet we still rely on our neighbours for certain energy imports. Any tension in the region can affect these agreements. We must create a climate of trust. Otherwise, financing also becomes more expensive." Hydropower is not the only area marked by geopolitical tensions. East Africa has significant natural gas reserves. Countries like Tanzania and Mozambique have seen foreign and local firms jockey for exploration rights. Disputes often arise over profit sharing and pipeline routing. Observers say these political frictions delay vital infrastructure and deter private investors. "When there is uncertainty, big companies hold back," Alweendo added. "They don't want to risk billions when borders or legal frameworks are unsettled." Experts point to the urgent need for investment. According to IRENA, Africa must triple its pace of renewable energy deployment to meet growing demand. Cross-border power trade could significantly lower costs, since large hydro dams can supply base load while solar can handle daytime peaks. But these benefits will not be realised if tensions spiral. "We have seen enormous interest in African gas pipelines, from West Africa to North Africa," said one panelist. "But political risk slows everything." Addressing these challenges requires more than treaties. Some call for joint ventures that let each country share ownership of big projects. Others want updated dispute-resolution mechanisms. "In Ghana, we talk often about a 'win-win' approach," Mahu said. "That means thinking of how all sides profit from shared energy. We can't just flood villages and leave people with no compensation. We must share benefits as well as risks." He also suggested that private capital might help broker stability. "Investors want assurances. They want to see strong bilateral or regional agreements," Mahu said. "If they see stable frameworks, they put in money for transmission lines, power plants, and cross-border trade. That eases political tensions too." Mengistie explained that Africa has a history of solving disputes diplomatically. "We are not the only region with shared rivers or natural resources," he said. "Europe managed to integrate. So can we, if we prioritize cooperation. We can learn from each other's success stories and avoid hostility."

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