The Possible Role of the Energy Charter in Advancing Energy for Development in Africa

Abstract

One of the key challenges facing the world today is to ensure the ­provision of energy services to the poor. Modern energy services are essential for improving productivity, creating enterprises, increasing employment and incomes, and providing effective public services. Yet millions of people in Africa, parts of Latin America and in Asia lack even basic energy services. The Energy Charter is a dynamic and evolving community. Membership of the Treaty can foster investments in the energy sector by giving a positive message to potential investors who can be reassured by the security offered by the Treaty’s provisions on investment protection. The Treaty also provides opportunities to promote cooperative solutions appropriate to local and regional markets and demands. The Treaty is open to all states that are ready to share its basic principles, a very important one for Africa being sovereignty over energy resources.