The African Energy Chamber (AEC) has appointed Samira Mensah, Director of Africa ESG at S&P Global Ratings, to its G20 Energy Working Group, a move aimed at strengthening Africa’s voice on global investment and sustainability platforms. Her appointment comes as the continent pushes for fairer financing mechanisms and stronger representation in energy transition debates.
Mensah is widely respected for her expertise in credit ratings, sustainable finance and risk analysis across Africa’s public and private sectors. The AEC says her insights will help the G20 Forum advance practical solutions for bridging Africa’s multibillion-dollar energy investment gap. She is expected to lead discussions on green financing, credit enhancement and project bankability.
Africa currently faces some of the world’s highest energy-financing costs, driven by risk perceptions, infrastructure deficits and limited access to affordable capital. Mensah’s inclusion signals a strategic effort to challenge these barriers while promoting credible frameworks that allow African countries to access climate finance without compromising development priorities.
AEC executives stress that the upcoming G20 sessions will focus on unlocking capital for oil, gas, hydrogen, renewables and grid expansion. They argue that Africa cannot be excluded from global policy-making, especially when the continent holds vast energy resources and rapidly growing demand.
Mensah’s involvement also underscores the need for a balanced transition one that recognizes Africa’s diverse energy mix and development challenges. Stakeholders believe her presence at the G20 table will help advocate for fair financing models that align global sustainability goals with African growth realities.