Cape Town is preparing to host more than 10,000 delegates when African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 returns from 12-16 October, with organisers billing the event as the largest edition of the conference and exhibition since its launch.
Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, NJ Ayuk said the five-day event will bring together African governments, international investors and industry leaders to discuss new projects, financing opportunities and policy priorities across the energy value chain.
“Ten thousand people are coming to Cape Town not simply to talk about Africa’s energy future, but to build it – to finance projects, form partnerships, sign deals and move investment forward,” Ayuk said.
Ministers and senior officials from countries including South Africa, Senegal, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Namibia and Niger are expected to address delegates during the conference.
African governments will use the platform to promote investment opportunities and outline sector priorities.
Several country-focused sessions will showcase investment opportunities across the continent, including Nigeria’s efforts to boost oil production, Namibia’s push towards first oil following major offshore discoveries, Mozambique’s liquefied natural gas expansion, and development plans in Congo, Senegal, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Algeria and Angola.
AEW 2026 is also expected to feature participation from government representatives from the United States, Europe, Japan, Russia, Venezuela, the Caribbean and Asia, alongside major energy companies including ExxonMobil, TotalEnergies, bp, Chevron and ConocoPhillips.
Technology and service providers such as SLB, Technip Energies and Halliburton are also expected to attend, reflecting growing international interest in Africa’s energy sector.
Organisers said the conference would examine how technological innovation, including artificial intelligence, data centres and digital infrastructure, is reshaping Africa’s energy landscape.
The programme will include discussions on upstream oil and gas, energy finance, downstream petroleum industries, power generation and emerging technologies.
Dedicated investor forums, technical sessions and project showcases are expected to connect project developers directly with investors and lenders.
The conference comes as African countries seek increased investment to develop oil, gas and power projects while balancing energy security, industrialisation and energy transition goals.
JN/APA