FutureCoal launches Southern Africa Chapter

FutureCoal has launched its Southern Africa Chapter, with Seriti Resources group CEO Mike Teke serving as its inaugural chairperson.

The chapter comprises the top four African coal nations: South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Botswana. These nations collectively hold 150 billion tonnes of coal reserves, placing them among the world’s top coal-rich regions.

The regional initiative will build upon FutureCoal’s global advocacy efforts that champion sustainable transformation across the entire coal value chain. It will unite industry leaders, governments and international partners to ensure consistent and clear policies and strategies that enhance the responsible and sustainable use of coal in critical sectors such as power, heavy industry, critical minerals and hydrogen.

“Launching the inaugural FutureCoal Chapter in southern Africa is a testament to our unwavering commitment and leadership in uniting the value chain and reshaping coal’s future regionally and internationally,” states Teke.

The chapter, which already comprises 13 inaugural members from across the region, is underpinned by FutureCoal’s Sustainable Coal Stewardship (SCS). The SCS roadmap emphasises innovation and technologies that modernise the value chain to achieve mutually beneficial economic and environmental outcomes that serve both national and global ambitions.

Teke adds, “We now have a chance to follow the beat of our drum. We are nations blessed with a valuable resource, and we will be stronger together. I am calling on more of my peers across coal enterprises to publicly join this alliance that leads a pragmatic and realistic discussion on coal’s inclusion.

“If we are to truly support our communities and foster their prosperity, we must recognise the responsibility lies with us to drive this transformation so that we can achieve the best for our nations and our continent.”

Despite coal’s crucial role in modern life and its contribution to poverty alleviation, many remain unaware of these facts and lack an understanding of how biased policies that exclude coal can leave a nation more vulnerable or falling behind.

Michelle Manook, CEO of FutureCoal, highlights: “FutureCoal’s SCS roadmap serves as the foundation to reverse this trend by facilitating responsible policy and investment decisions that support modernisation and transformation. The chapter members, led by chairperson Mike Teke, are commendable for their proactive approach.

“Our shared goal is prosperity for all. This isn’t about choosing one path over another; it’s about empowering regions to chart their own course and fostering their responsible growth.”