Uniting energy experts, technology providers and data analysts, the upcoming African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies event will explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to create sustainable, resilient energy systems in Africa.
With over 600 million people living without access to electricity and 900 million living without access to clean cooking solutions, Africa faces a dilemma: how to scale up energy capacity while reducing project timelines. AI and collaboration with global partners have emerged as key solutions to addressing this dilemma, offering energy producers the chance to modernise infrastructure, accelerate energy development and create more resilient energy systems across the continent.
A panel discussion at the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference – taking place September 29 to October 3, 2025 – will explore the impact of AI solutions in Africa. The session will delve into challenges faced by African countries, including data gaps, limited local expertise and regulatory barriers, while offering insights into how context-aware AI can make technology affordable and accessible. The conversation will explore how technology can bridge the energy divide – paving the way for a more energy-secure, innovation-driven Africa.
With the demand for electricity projected to more than triple in Africa by 2040, AI stands to play an instrumental role in optimising energy production. Across traditional grid networks, AI can be leveraged to enhance the efficiency of energy systems, improve resource management while minimising energy losses. AI also enables predictive maintenance, allowing utilities to identify equipment failures ahead of time. In addition to preventing unwarranted shutdowns, predictive maintenance significantly reduces costs.
The Kenya Power and Lighting Company, for example, is utilising AI-powered solutions and machine learning to detect power theft, optimise load distribution and manage power outages. This has resulted in a 30% reduction in energy losses. In June 2025, the company launched an Expression of Interest, inviting international firms to partner on the implementation of world-class IT solutions to further improve grid management, technology infrastructure and digitisation.
In South Africa, the state-utility Eskom is leveraging AI to monitor the national grid. Through the application of big data and AI in energy management, the utility seeks to optimise systems and cut unnecessary electricity use.
Beyond grid management, AI is being used to expand energy access. Approximately 33% of Africa’s population lives in rural or remote areas, and with the continent relying heavily on traditional grid systems, this has resulted in significant disparity with regard to equitable energy access. Through AI, Africa stands to address this challenge.
AI-powered microgrids, for example, are playing a major part in providing access to electricity for underserved communities. Offering an alternative to grid-connected power, microgrids are context-specific, allowing access to power without the need for large-scale transmission networks.
“Addressing energy poverty in Africa requires innovative solutions. AI is not a foreign concept: it’s a powerful local opportunity. By building AI tools that are rooted in African data, culture and needs, we can create a smarter energy ecosystem that works for all Africans,” said NJ Ayuk, executive chairman, African Energy Chamber.
