Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has urged African governments to prioritise the use of renewable energy sources, warning that the continent will soon run out of energy.
Obasanjo's speech was read by the Nigerian minister for Science and Technology, Mr Turner Isoun, during the second scientific conference on the energy situation in Africa in Nairobi. "Energy is not only crucial but also critical for the development and transformation of Africa," he said.
Obasanjo said there was need for governments to initiate reforms and create the environment for the exploration of other sources of energy. He said Africa requires adequate and diverse energy sources to assist it develop all its capacities, including small and medium enterprises.
The four-day meeting, which will look at the contribution African scientists and engineers can make towards resolving the energy issues in the continent, was organised by the Network of African Science Academies (Nasac).
Obasanjo said Africa must concentrate research on areas of comparative advantage, such as bio resources to provide for its large population.
"We must also plug into high and cross cutting technologies to improve the quality of lives of our people," he said.
The Nigerian leader appealed to governments to highlight critical areas of science and technology to transform African economies. He said Africa needs to start planning now, adding that governments could provide the capacity for the development of nuclear energy.
Nasac President Mohamed Hassan said his institute seeks to become an advisor to key inter-governmental organisations on issues concerning science and technology.
Nasac would also advise the New Partnership for Africa's Development, the African Union and the African Development Bank.
Nasac said most African countries have been unable to fully develop and use their energy resources efficiently to meet development goals, and partly attributes this to inadequate funds for investment in the energy infrastructure and lack of appropriate policies.