Pele Energy Group reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive and sustainable energy development during the Global Citizen NOW: Impact Sessions held in New York. Representing South Africa and the African private sector, Pele Energy Group CEO Gqi Raoleka joined European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans in a landmark discussion on the role of the private sector in accelerating Africa’s just energy transition.

Raoleka underscored that achieving universal energy access demands collaboration, innovation and investment across borders. His participation highlighted Pele Energy Group’s belief that Africa’s transition to clean energy must not only expand renewable capacity but also empower communities through education, skills development and sustainable enterprise.

Echoing Von der Leyen’s call that “2025 must be a turning point for climate action and solidarity,” Raoleka emphasised the importance of partnerships that combine purpose with progress.

“At Pele, we’ve always believed that transformation is not a solo act, it’s built on partnership,” he said.

“Everything we’ve achieved has been through collaboration: with government, with business and with communities. The energy transition demands that same spirit of working together to power possibility. Our mission is not only to generate clean energy but to build opportunity, skills and sustainable livelihoods. Because when we partner with purpose, we don’t just build projects, we build progress.”

Pele’s participation at the Global Citizen Summit forms part of a strategic collaboration between Pele Energy Group and Global Citizen, united by a shared mission to advance Africa’s just energy transition and drive social impact through scalable solutions. As part of this partnership, Pele will reveal a set of commitments and initiatives in the months ahead that align with Global Citizen’s objectives of climate action, scaling up renewables in Africa, poverty eradication and equitable growth.

Within the next 12 to 24 months, Pele Energy Group will publish a roadmap outlining progress against these commitments, tracking project milestones, community impact metrics, and local supplier development initiatives. The company will also pursue partnerships with African and international institutions aligned with sustainability, infrastructure and climate finance and social equity, to amplify the impact of its work.

Pele’s engagement at the summit reflects a broader narrative of African private sector leadership in global sustainability, proving that purpose and profit can coexist through responsible investment and inclusive growth. As a proudly South African company with a continental outlook, Pele continues to demonstrate how business can be a catalyst for transformation, equity and lasting impact.