Africa’s Energy Leaders Convene in Cape Town

Government officials, global energy companies, investors, financiers, national oil companies, technology providers and project developers have gathered in South Africa to discuss opportunities across Africa’s energy value chain. The event is expected to focus heavily on translating the continent’s energy resources into bankable projects, investment commitments and expanded energy access.

Technical Workshops Open AEW 2026

AEW 2026 began with a series of technical workshops and industry meetings designed to connect project developers with investors and decision-makers.

The eighth meeting of the APPO NOCs CEOs’ Forum will bring African national oil company executives together to discuss industry priorities and cooperation. The AEW Deal Room will give project sponsors an opportunity to present active oil, gas, energy, and infrastructure opportunities directly to investors and lenders.

The African Farmout Forum will also showcase available acreage and farmout opportunities, while specialised workshops and masterclasses will focus on energy markets, project finance and capacity development.

Another major feature is the Global Energy Leaders Forum, where discussions will centre on energy security, geopolitical changes and investment. Participants will consider how Africa can use shifting global energy flows to secure long-term contracts, attract capital and advance final investment decisions.

Investment Across Africa’s Energy Sector

Over the coming days, African Energy Week 2026 will cover opportunities spanning the upstream, downstream, power, infrastructure and finance sectors.

The AEW Townhall will connect governments with industry stakeholders to discuss strategic issues affecting Africa’s energy development. The Upstream E&P Forum will focus on licensing, exploration, drilling, mergers and acquisitions, and production growth.

The Energy Finance Forum will receive particular attention, while the Energy Additions Forum will address the infrastructure and resources needed to increase reliable energy supply and support industrialisation.

The Downstream & Petchem Forum will focus on refining, fuels and petrochemicals, including ways African countries can retain more value from their natural resources.

Global Energy Discussions Come to Cape Town

AEW 2026 will also host international discussions through platforms including the OPEC-Africa Roundtable, Russia-Africa Energy Investment Forum and Global Energy Leaders Forum.

Ministerial, country-focused and local-content sessions will give African governments opportunities to engage directly with investors, operators and other industry stakeholders on project development and investment conditions.

Technology will also feature prominently. The Renegade Intel conference will consider the relationship between energy, artificial intelligence, data centres and digital infrastructure.

Power Africa Today will focus on electricity-sector investment, transmission networks, energy storage, grid modernisation and the reliable power supply required to support African industries.

Technology, Culture and Commercial Opportunities

Technical stages, including The Drill Room and The Innovation Hub, will feature presentations covering exploration, subsurface technology, liquefied natural gas, infrastructure and asset integrity.

The AEW exhibition will run alongside the conference, providing another platform for operators, service companies, governments, technology providers and potential partners to connect and explore commercial opportunities.

Beyond the business programme, the opening day will close with the Just Energy Transition Concert, while the African Energy Awards & Gala Dinner will recognise companies, projects and individuals contributing to the development of Africa’s energy industry.

AEW Executive Chairman NJ Ayuk said the presence of thousands of delegates in Cape Town reflects growing interest in advancing African energy projects, securing investment and converting the continent’s resources into economic development.

With financing, energy security, technology and project delivery dominating the agenda, African Energy Week 2026 is positioning Cape Town as a key meeting point for discussions on how Africa can attract capital, increase energy production and build the infrastructure required for long-term economic growth.