The year 2026 is set to be a pivotal moment for African energy with the launch of the strategic investment program of African Energy Week (AEW) – Invest in African Energy, which will take place from October 12 to 16 in Cape Town. In an international context characterized by the reconfiguration of supply chains and the search for energy security, the continent is increasingly emerging as a credible and competitive destination for global investors, driven by regulatory reforms, new oil and gas discoveries, and considerable potential in renewable energies. AEW 2026 aims to serve as a central platform for connecting African governments, local businesses, and international partners, with the ambition of transforming opportunities into funded and operational projects.
With over 125 billion barrels of oil reserves, 620 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, and some of the most abundant solar, wind, and hydroelectric resources in the world, Africa still faces an estimated energy funding gap ranging from $31 billion to $50 billion. This shortfall continues to hinder industrialization and universal access to energy. However, the dynamic is changing. Licensing cycles in Libya, Angola, Nigeria, and Algeria, the rise of African players due to strategic disengagements, the launch of major gas projects such as Congo LNG Phase 2, Greater Tortue Ahmeyim, and the revival of Mozambique LNG, alongside the development of over 13 GW of solar and wind projects, reflect a continent that is asserting itself. By 2035, green hydrogen production could reach up to 50 million tons per year, further enhancing the attractiveness of the African market.
The 2026 AEW program is structured around five key areas encompassing the entire energy value chain. High-level discussions will bring together public decision-makers and private leaders to harmonize tax frameworks, strengthen local operators, and accelerate the transition from extraction to industrialization. Dedicated forums on upstream, downstream, energy financing, and electrification will address the development challenges of marginal fields, refining and storage infrastructure, the integration of gas into electricity production, and network expansion. Special attention will be given to the rising demand for electricity and investment opportunities related to energy-intensive industries, particularly data centers.
Beyond political announcements, AEW 2026 will focus on concrete results. The technical platforms, The Drill Room and The Innovation Hub, will play a crucial role in assessing risks, the economic viability of energy basins, and the contribution of technology to enhancing competitiveness. By linking geological expertise, technological innovation, and financial requirements, the event aims to bolster investor confidence and accelerate the transformation of African potential into structured projects. More than just a conference, African Energy Week 2026 strives to be a true marketplace for African energy, at the intersection of public policy, international capital, and the continent’s industrial ambitions.