By Oke Peter
The Powering Africa Summit (PAS) 2026 will open in Washington, D.C., with high-level leadership from two of the world’s most influential energy and development institutions, underscoring the summit’s growing importance in shaping Africa’s energy and industrial future.
Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), will serve as Special Guest of Honour at the Official Opening of PAS 2026. His participation highlights the pivotal role of development finance institutions in mobilising capital, de-risking large-scale projects, and partnering with governments and international stakeholders to accelerate energy infrastructure delivery and industrial growth across Africa.
The organisers have also confirmed that Dr. Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), will deliver the Welcome Remarks during the Official Opening. As a leading global authority on energy markets, investment trends, and energy security, Dr. Birol is expected to provide critical insights to help policymakers and investors better understand risk, opportunity, and long-term demand—key issues shaping today’s U.S.-Africa energy dialogue.
Scheduled for 19–20 March 2026, PAS will serve as a strategic convening platform for U.S., African, and international decision-makers seeking to align policy priorities with investment capital and project execution. The summit is designed to move beyond broad commitments, offering direct engagement with governments, development finance institutions, and private sector leaders driving innovation across Africa’s energy infrastructure, critical minerals value chains, and industrial development agenda.
With senior leadership from the AfDB and IEA anchoring its opening session, PAS 2026 is set to reinforce its position as a leading forum for advancing practical solutions and partnerships to power Africa’s growth.
