By Oke Peter
CAPE TOWN, South Africa – Thousands of energy leaders, investors, policymakers, financiers, technology providers and project developers from across Africa and beyond are converging on Cape Town as the Africa Energy Forum (AEF) 2026 opens today, marking the commencement of one of the continent’s most influential energy investment and policy gatherings.
The four-day event, scheduled to run from June 16 to 19 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, is expected to attract thousands of participants through a packed programme of conference sessions, exhibitions, networking engagements and industry-focused events aimed at accelerating Africa’s energy transition and industrial development.
Held under the theme, “Building Africa’s Industrialised Future,” the forum is organised by EnergyNet and brings together government officials, utility executives, development finance institutions, private investors, multilateral organisations, energy companies and technology innovators to explore solutions to Africa’s evolving energy challenges.
This year’s discussions are expected to centre on expanding power infrastructure, scaling renewable energy deployment, advancing gas-to-power projects, strengthening transmission networks, developing critical mineral value chains, enhancing regional electricity trade and mobilising the financing required to drive industrialisation across the continent.
Ahead of the opening, organisers described the forum as a vital platform for translating energy ambitions into bankable projects capable of attracting long-term investment, improving energy access and supporting economic growth across Africa.
The gathering comes at a critical time as African nations intensify efforts to bridge energy access gaps while pursuing industrial expansion and economic diversification. Industry stakeholders have repeatedly emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between governments, investors and technology providers to unlock the billions of dollars required to modernise the continent’s energy infrastructure.
Several African ministers, utility leaders, renewable energy developers, oil and gas executives, financiers and international development partners are expected to participate in high-level discussions throughout the week. The event will also feature investment showcases, project presentations and business-to-business meetings designed to foster strategic partnerships and facilitate new investment opportunities.
As delegates convene in Cape Town, attention will be focused on how Africa can harness its vast energy resources, critical minerals and emerging technologies to strengthen energy security, expand electricity access and support sustainable industrialisation.
Over the years, the Africa Energy Forum has established itself as a premier platform for energy dialogue and investment mobilisation, bringing together stakeholders from across the energy value chain to help shape the future of Africa’s power, energy and infrastructure sectors.
