Excellencies,

We wish to commend the Turkish G20 Presidency for the dedicated focus on development issues.

We commend Turkey for the extensive work on Energy and the G20 Principles on Energy Collaboration.

This effort cannot be overstated, as Energy is relevant to the overall themes of the G20, specifically the areas of improved investment in infrastructure and promoting strong, sustainable and balanced growth.

We note the outcomes of the first ever G20 Energy Ministers’ Meeting, as well as the successful Conference on Energy Access in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Of note and critical importance is the affirmation that there are realisable projects and initiatives led by the African continent.

These include the Grand Inga Hydropower Project in the Democratic Republic of Congo,
with potential to connect 60 million people. More effort is needed in terms of fostering collaboration on regional projects and consolidating project preparation facilities.

In this regard, we welcome the Power Africa initiative.

Guided by the voluntary G20 Principles on Energy Collaboration, we are encouraged by the work done on the “G20 Energy Access Action Plan: Voluntary Collaboration on Energy Access”.  We support the Energy Sustainability Working Group and the Chinese Presidency to continue with this initiative.

We note the progress being made by a number of countries to rationalize and phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies which encourage wasteful consumption.

South Africa remains committed to the important goal of the diversification of energy sources and the continued investments for increased energy security.

In this regard, we are proud to share that we have procured over 6 giga watt of Renewable energy and are committed to the further roll out of our Integrated Resource Plan, which guides our energy mix.

Let me thank Turkey again for the focus on other development issues such women, youth, small business development and the general focus on inclusiveness.

The Turkish Presidency has certainly mainstreamed development in the G20 agenda.

We look forward to the Chinese Presidency to take forward development and inclusiveness.

I thank you.