RIFE International CEO and founder Kwabena Osei-Sarpong took the stage at the 10th Powering Africa Summit (PAS25) in Washington, D.C., joining global leaders and energy experts to chart a bold path for U.S.-Africa energy collaboration. The summit focused on emerging strategies to bridge Africa’s energy gap while supporting digital growth and sustainable development.
Osei-Sarpong participated in a high-impact session addressing the intersection of data center expansion, Bitcoin mining, and renewable energy solutions across Africa. With the continent’s data center market projected to surpass $5.4 billion by 2028 and its renewable energy potential estimated at 1,300 GW, the discussion emphasized the urgent need to unlock Africa’s digital and energy future.
Advancing Africa’s Energy Infrastructure
In his remarks, Osei-Sarpong highlighted the paradox of Africa’s energy wealth and energy poverty. Although rich in solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal resources, 600 million people across the continent still lack access to electricity. He underscored the value of microgrids and off-grid renewable systems, citing successful mini-grid projects in countries like Nigeria and Tanzania, along with national grid modernization efforts such as South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP).
Osei-Sarpong also called attention to significant investment disparities, noting that data center costs in Africa are 30% to 40% higher than in the U.S. or Europe. Despite the demand, the continent currently attracts only 2 percent of global private energy investment. He advocated for increased public-private partnerships, Special Economic Zones (SEZs), and regulatory incentives, as seen in Ghana and Rwanda, to accelerate energy and tech infrastructure.
Another key topic centered on the role of clean energy in digital infrastructure, particularly Bitcoin mining. Osei-Sarpong pointed to Ethiopia and Kenya as leading examples where hydropower and geothermal resources are powering cost-effective and sustainable mining operations. He emphasized the importance of expanding these models in tandem with energy storage and smart grid technologies to enhance Africa’s global competitiveness.
Osei-Sarpong stressed that policy and market reform must go hand in hand with infrastructure investment. He pointed to Morocco and South Africa as leaders in creating investment-friendly energy policies that support innovation and scalability. Transparent regulatory frameworks and competitive electricity pricing models will be essential to transform Africa into a global hub for energy and digital services.
RIFE International’s Commitment
“At RIFE International, we remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing clean energy infrastructure, driving strategic investments, and fostering energy-efficient digital economies across Africa,” said Osei-Sarpong. “Africa’s energy future represents a global opportunity, and the time to act is now.”
He also expressed his gratitude to his fellow panelists, including Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria, Raza Hasnani, Jacob Langenkamp, and moderator Grant McCarty, as well as to EnergyNet Ltd. and Gemma Gosling for organizing the event.
Osei-Sarpong’s participation in the Powering Africa Summit reinforced RIFE International’s leadership in advancing clean energy and digital infrastructure across Africa and within global energy conversations. As momentum builds around equitable investment and sustainable development, RIFE continues to play a vital role in shaping solutions that drive economic progress and technological innovation both on the continent and beyond.