Chris Wright, U.S. Secretary of Energy, on the Future of the U.S.–Africa Energy Partnership

U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright spoke at a CSIS Critical Minerals Security Program event on the future of U.S.–Africa minerals diplomacy, held September 18, 2026. In a keynote fireside chat, Wright argued that energy is central to bilateral cooperation, citing that Africa has the fastest growing population and abundant energy resources.

He emphasized that clean cooking fuels are the biggest and most easily fixable energy challenge in Africa, noting that 600 million people lack electricity access and about a billion lack clean cooking fuels. Wright advocated for more commercial ties and trade over government-to-government aid.

Sources: CSIS (YouTube)