Energy ministers from Senegal, Nigeria, Zambia and Djibouti are set to engage global financiers and project developers at the Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2026 Forum in Paris, as investors look for African markets capable of turning policy ambition into bankable energy projects.
Organisers say the April 22–23 gathering comes at a time when global capital is becoming more selective, with investors prioritising countries that demonstrate regulatory clarity, credible financing pathways and near-term project execution potential.
Execution Focus in Senegal
Senegal is expected to highlight its transition from exploration success to project delivery following first oil from the Woodside-operated Sangomar field. Investors are also closely watching progress on the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG project led by bp and Kosmos Energy, which underpins the country’s long-term gas export strategy.
Energy Minister Birame Soulèye Diop has emphasised the need to streamline gas sales frameworks and clarify domestic gas allocation to balance export revenues with local power and industrial demand.
Nigeria Bets on Gas Infrastructure
Nigeria’s pitch centres on scale and infrastructure momentum, particularly in the gas sector. The 614-kilometre Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano pipeline, a US$2.8 billion project nearing commissioning in 2026, is expected to unlock up to 2 billion cubic feet per day of gas supply to northern industrial and power markets.
Officials say continued pricing reforms, domestic offtake expansion and infrastructure investments are designed to strengthen investor confidence and accelerate monetisation of the country’s vast gas reserves.
Zambia Seeks Diversification After Drought Shocks
Zambia is positioning energy diversification as central to its investment strategy after repeated droughts exposed vulnerabilities in its hydro-dependent power system. Authorities are seeking private capital for thermal and gas-fired generation, renewable projects and regional power trade opportunities through the Southern African Power Pool.
Energy Minister Makozo Chikote has stressed the need for bankable projects supported by credible offtake agreements and growing regional electricity demand.
Djibouti Targets Regional Energy Services
Djibouti’s investment case is focused on infrastructure-led growth and regional integration. Projects such as geothermal development at the Assal field and cross-border power links with Ethiopia aim to strengthen the country’s role as a regional energy transit and services hub rather than a large domestic consumer.
Officials say the strategy is designed to attract investors seeking stable, long-term returns supported by multilateral financing and regional energy trade.
Investors Seek Execution Over Ambition
With governments, development finance institutions and private investors attending, the Paris forum is expected to provide a platform for assessing project readiness, financing structures and policy alignment across key African energy markets.
Organisers say the event will connect decision-makers directly with capital providers at a time when execution and commercial viability are increasingly determining where investment flows. The forum is also seen as a lead-in to African Energy Week later in the year, where project announcements and financing commitments are expected to take centre stage.
