The African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference and exhibition will return to Cape Town from October 12 to 16, 2026, reaffirming its role as the continent’s largest platform for energy investment, dealmaking, and policy dialogue.
Organised by the African Energy Chamber, AEW 2026 is expected to attract hundreds of global investors, government representatives, and industry leaders to discuss Africa’s growing role in global energy markets. Building on the success of its 2025 edition, the event will focus on accelerating investment in oil, gas, and renewable energy while promoting cross-border partnerships and industrial growth.
Africa’s energy demand is projected to quadruple by 2040, creating urgent need for large-scale infrastructure and diversified supply chains. Many African nations are already stepping up exploration and production to meet future demand. In North Africa, Egypt recently signed three new investment agreements worth over $121 million, while Libya and Algeria have launched major licensing rounds to attract foreign capital.
In Southern Africa, Namibia is advancing toward first oil by 2029 on the back of significant offshore discoveries, while Angola, South Africa, and Zimbabwe pursue expanded crude and gas output. East Africa continues to gain attention with Mozambique, Tanzania, and Uganda making progress on multi-billion-dollar liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects, some nearing final investment decisions.
Meanwhile, West and Central African producers are ramping up activity. Nigeria targets 2.5 million barrels per day by 2027, while the Republic of Congo, Gabon, and Côte d’Ivoire expand capacity. Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire recently joined Africa’s community of oil producers with first oil achieved at the Sangomar and Baleine projects.
Beyond hydrocarbons, many African governments are positioning renewables and low-carbon fuels as strategic growth sectors. Initiatives such as South Africa’s Hydrogen Valley, Mauritania’s 60GW hybrid solar and wind project, and Namibia’s Hyphen Hydrogen development underscore the continent’s transition toward sustainable energy.
“With Africa’s oil, gas, and renewable sectors entering a transformative new phase, AEW 2026 will once again serve as the heartbeat of the continent’s energy investment agenda,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.
AEW 2026 will bring together governments, financiers, and private-sector players to showcase opportunities and close investment deals that could shape the continent’s energy future.
Source: African Energy Chamber
