Johannesburg: The African Union Commission (AUC) is set to organize the 5th Ordinary Session of the African Union Specialised Technical Committee on Transport and Energy (STC-T and E) from 27 to 30 April 2026 in Johannesburg. Chief Director at the Department of Electricity and Energy, Elizabeth Marabwa, highlighted that hosting the session underscores South Africa's leadership role in driving continental development.
According to South African Government News Agency, Marabwa mentioned that the event allows South Africa to showcase its advancements in energy and transport, facilitating collaboration among African countries. It places South Africa at the heart of discussions that will influence infrastructure investment and policy across the continent. The meeting will focus on reviewing progress on the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA), enhancing transport systems including aviation, rail, maritime, and road transport, and emphasizing renewable energy and energy market integration.
Marabwa elaborated that the energy discussions will also explore emerging areas such as green hydrogen and clean energy transitions. The meeting will commence with a two-day Experts' Session from 27 to 28 April, followed by a Ministerial Session on 30 April, where ministers will review recommendations, offer strategic guidance, and adopt significant decisions and declarations.
She emphasized that the meeting aims to improve people's lives by ensuring better transport systems for safer roads and more efficient travel, alongside stronger energy systems for reliable electricity and clean energy access. The outcomes of these high-level discussions directly impact service delivery, job creation, and economic growth.
The STC-T and E is the AU's Ministerial decision-making body for policy and strategic oversight in continental transport and energy integration. Initially established under Article 25 of the African Economic Community Treaty in 1994, it was reconfigured in 2009 and renamed in 2024 to focus on transport and energy. The STC meets biennially for ordinary sessions, with extraordinary sessions convened as needed. Since 2017, it has held four ordinary and three extraordinary sessions.
