In a landmark diplomatic moment that signals brighter prospects for Africa's clean energy future,
H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, formally received the Letters of Credentials from H.E. Ms. Olivia Owen, the newly appointed Ambassador of New Zealand to Ethiopia and the African Union, on February 4, 2026.
This ceremony marks not just the beginning of a new ambassadorial tenure but a renewed surge of momentum in one of the most promising renewable energy partnerships on the continent: the AU–New Zealand geothermal cooperation. Amid Africa's urgent push to harness its vast geothermal resources—particularly along the East African Rift System—New Zealand's world-renowned expertise in geothermal development stands as a beacon of hope for sustainable, reliable, and affordable power.
New Zealand, a global leader in geothermal energy, draws nearly 20% of its electricity from the Earth's natural heat. Its pioneering approaches to exploration, drilling, resource management, and environmental stewardship have positioned it as a trusted partner for nations seeking to unlock similar potential. The long-standing collaboration with Africa, facilitated through the New Zealand-Africa Geothermal Facility (NZ-AGF), has already delivered tangible results. Established in partnership with the African Union Commission, the NZ-AGF has provided technical assistance, capacity building, training, and risk mitigation support to accelerate geothermal projects in East Africa and beyond.
From surface exploration in Tanzania's Ngozi crater to slim-hole drilling preparations and knowledge transfer to institutions like Kenya's Geothermal Development Company, this initiative has helped de-risk projects, build local expertise, and attract investment. By addressing early-stage uncertainties—often the biggest barrier to geothermal advancement—the facility has paved the way for more confident investment in a resource that offers baseload power, unlike intermittent solar or wind.
During the credential presentation, Chairperson Youssouf warmly welcomed New Zealand’s enduring solidarity with Africa. He highlighted the country's contributions in technology transfer, the green energy transition, and multilateral forums. The discussion centered on deepening ties in **sustainable development**, **renewable energy**—with a sharp focus on geothermal—and broader areas like peace, security, and technical cooperation.
Ambassador Owen echoed this enthusiasm. She expressed deep gratitude for the AU's partnership and reaffirmed her personal commitment to driving forward the second phase of AU–New Zealand geothermal cooperation. This next chapter promises to build on past successes, potentially expanding support to more countries, integrating advanced technologies, enhancing direct-use applications (such as geothermal heating for agriculture, industry, and spas), and strengthening regional data management and policy frameworks.
The stakes could not be higher. Africa possesses some of the world's greatest untapped geothermal potential—estimated at tens of gigawatts—yet only a fraction has been developed. Countries like Kenya (already a continental leader with over 900 MW installed), Ethiopia, Djibouti, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda stand to benefit immensely. Geothermal energy offers unique advantages: it is clean, low-emission, reliable 24/7, and immune to fuel price volatility or weather variability. In a continent facing energy poverty, rapid urbanization, and climate change pressures, scaling geothermal could transform economies, create jobs, empower communities, and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels.
The AU–New Zealand partnership aligns perfectly with Agenda 2063's vision of an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa. By leveraging New Zealand's practical know-how—honed in its volcanic landscapes—and Africa's abundant subsurface heat, the collaboration exemplifies South-South and triangular cooperation at its best. It also supports global goals: accelerating the energy transition, achieving universal access to clean energy (SDG 7), and combating climate change (Paris Agreement).
As Ambassador Owen steps into her role, her pledge to advance the second phase carries profound implications. Expect intensified focus on capacity building for African geothermal professionals, improved exploration techniques, risk-sharing mechanisms to attract private capital, and perhaps expanded geographic reach to unlock resources in underrepresented Rift Valley nations.
This diplomatic milestone is more than ceremonial. It is a clarion call for action on one of Africa's most underutilized treasures: the power beneath our feet. With New Zealand's steadfast support and the AU's continental leadership, the geothermal revolution in Africa is gaining steam. The future looks hotter—and cleaner—than ever.
Source: AUC
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