The region is rich in natural resources, and using them will help battle both energy shortages and hunger, Mohamed Hamel has told RT
Africa needs to take full advantage of the vast natural gas resources it has in order to eradicate energy poverty, according to Mohamed Hamel, secretary general of the Qatar-based Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF). Speaking to RT on the sidelines of Russian Energy Week on Friday, Hamel stressed that energy access challenges and energy poverty are among the most “traumatic issues” currently facing the region.
Citing GECF data, Hamel stated that nearly 900 million people in Africa, or roughly 60%, do not have access to clean fuels for cooking, while 600 million lack access to reliable electricity.
“This is jeopardizing their socio-economic development… We believe this is an extremely important issue… Energy is required for economic development, for social progress, as well as the protection of the…