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Nigerian executives are set to play prominent roles at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, with leaders from some of the continent’s most influential energy, finance and trade institutions confirmed as speakers at the annual investment forum.
The event, scheduled for October 12 to 16 in Cape Town, South Africa, is regarded as Africa’s leading platform for energy investment, bringing together government officials, industry executives, investors, financiers, and service providers to discuss strategies to expand energy access and accelerate project development across the continent.
Among the Nigerian figures participating is Prof. Benedict Oramah, former President and Chairman of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and current Chairman of Africa Trading Minerals (ATMIN), who will chair the AEW 2026 Finance Summit.
During his tenure at Afreximbank, the institution’s balance sheet expanded significantly to about $44 billion, supporting major projects in refining, regional trade and energy infrastructure. The Finance Summit will focus on addressing Africa’s energy investment shortfall, estimated at $31-$50 billion annually, while examining ways to attract private capital and strengthen development financing.
Nigeria’s influence in global gas discussions will also feature prominently through the participation of Dr Philip Mshelbila, Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF). Mshelbila, who assumed the role in January 2026 after serving as Managing Director of Nigeria LNG, is expected to contribute to conversations around the role of natural gas in powering industrial growth and expanding electricity access across Africa.
The African Refiners and Distributors Association (ARDA) will also be represented by Executive Secretary Anibor Kragha, who was recently reappointed for a third term. Kragha, a former Chief Operating Officer for Refining at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, will discuss opportunities to strengthen Africa’s refining capacity and reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.
Nigeria LNG Deputy Managing Director Olakunle Osobu will join discussions as the company advances its Train 7 expansion project, which is expected to increase LNG production capacity from 22 million tonnes per annum to 30 million tonnes per annum.
African Energy Chamber Executive Chairman NJ Ayuk said the participation of Nigerian leaders reflects the country’s longstanding expertise in energy finance, gas development and downstream policy.
“Nigeria’s leadership across the institutions that shape gas trade, energy finance and downstream policy reflects decades of expertise built in the sector,” Ayuk said.
He added that their involvement would strengthen discussions among investors and operators seeking solutions to Africa’s energy challenges.
AEW 2026 will bring together stakeholders from across the energy value chain to explore investment opportunities, partnerships and policy strategies aimed at expanding Africa’s energy infrastructure.
