24th Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum – Energy Security
Mr. François Baird, founder of the FairPlay movement, addressed the link between energy access, food security and stability for developing nations, particularly in Africa. He pointed out that according to the International Energy Agency, 600 million people (43% of the total population) lack access to electricity, and most of them are from sub-Saharan Africa. He used the Fragile States Index of 2022 of the Fund for Peace to demonstrate the link between low energy access and weak food security, to fragile states in Africa. He commented that even South Africa, the most industrialized African state is becoming more fragile due to a lack of access to electricity and power. Mr. Baird proposed that the solution to more stability is the promotion of affordable energy in Africa, providing base load for industrial development, supported by investments in rule of law institutions, trade with Africa that is not predatory in nature, but adheres to WTO standards, and more market-based development solutions. He pointed out that most industrialized states are food secure and therefore encouraged support for commercial agriculture in Africa, to encourage food security. He proposed nine steps to unleash the creative and entrepreneurial energy of ordinary Africans to build a better, more stable future. With these steps policymakers and leaders will stand on the side of the people.
Actions Steps for Africa:
– Reliable energy supply to industry
– Stop predatory trade policies
– National and regional food & energy security
– Agricultural and industrial innovation
– Empower rule of law institutions against corruption
– Market solutions & private ownership
– African jobs
– Sustain rural livelihoods
– Support farmers & food producers
