If energy is the lifeblood of economic development, Africa does not fall short in potential. Yet, managing energy consumption is also the bone of contention in discussions on the steps to take to face the reality of climate change. Africa stands at the centre of a crucial trade-off between mitigating the climate crisis, which is already bearing down heavily on the continent, and exploiting energy resources, which could give a crucial boost to its economic development. While in an international context marked by an energy crisis of historic magnitude, its abundant gas resources are also attracting interest north of the Mediterranean. With COP27 about to start, how to reconcile these different priorities? What is the potential for African energy development? And along what lines is climate diplomacy between Africa and Europe unfolding?