Global consensus on energy transition remains elusive.

The ongoing 2025 Extractive Forum in Dodoma has sparked robust discussions on Africa’s position in the global energy transition, with experts calling for more context-specific approaches.

Speaking during a session on Alternatives to Oil and Gas in Tanzania’s Energy Transition, Dr Japhace Poncian, a lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam, argued that a single global position on energy matters is unrealistic.

“It is always difficult for the entire world to speak in one voice on any issue. The same applies to energy. We cannot all be aligned, given our different realities and stages of development,” he said.

Dr Poncian referred to ongoing global campaigns such as ‘Stop EACOP’ and ‘Equinor Out’, which aim to pressure governments and major oil and gas companies to halt investments in fossil fuels, branding them as unsustainable and harmful.

“These campaigns must recognise that the world is not united in position. Many African countries still face deep energy poverty,” he noted.

According to him, the priority for the continent is to secure reliable and sufficient energy access before considering major shifts.

“Africa’s immediate need is energy security. Once we achieve that, we can talk about where and how we transition—perhaps even in the direction these campaigns advocate for,” he said.

His remarks came as part of a wider conversation facilitated by HakiRasilimali, the organisers of the forum, bringing together stakeholders across the extractive industry.