As Africa looks towards significant economic expansion, the continent’s energy sector has emerged as the single most critical enabler for growth, industrialisation and competitiveness. With population growth, rapid urbanisation, digital transformation and industrial demand accelerating, Africa’s energy opportunity is immediate, investable and essential.
Government ministers, utilities, investors, DFIs, IPPs and technology leaders will convene at Africa Energy Indaba.
This will be the focus at this year’s Africa Energy Indaba, the continent’s flagship energy conference and exhibition where governments, utilities, investors, development finance institutions (DFIs), independent power producers (IPPs) and technology leaders convene to turn Africa’s vast energy potential into bankable, deliverable projects.
Energy demand Is surging
Africa is home to the world’s youngest and fastest-growing population. By 2030, the continent will account for over 25% of global population growth, driving exponential increases in electricity demand across households, cities, industry and digital infrastructure.
Yet Africa currently accounts for less than 4% of global electricity generation, despite holding some of the world’s richest energy resources. Closing this gap is a development challenge – and it represents one of the largest growth and investment opportunities globally.
Leading global institutions estimate that Africa requires US$ 130 to 170 billion annually in energy investment to meet demand, expand access and support economic growth. The funding gap is creating unprecedented momentum for reform, private sector participation and innovative financing models – all central themes at the Africa Energy Indaba.
Key growth sectors
The Africa Energy Indaba will focus on the energy sub-sectors that will shape Africa’s next growth phase.
- Power generation & Grid expansion
Reliable electricity remains the foundation of industrial growth. Investment is accelerating across:
- Utility-scale renewables (solar, wind, hydro)
- Gas-to-power as a transition and baseload solution
- Battery energy storage and grid-scale flexibility
- Transmission and distribution modernisation.
Grid expansion and regional interconnections are increasingly critical, enabling power trade and resilience through regional power pools.
- Independent power producers & Power market reform
Power sector reform is reshaping Africa’s electricity markets. Competitive procurement, open access frameworks and wholesale electricity markets are unlocking private investment and reducing pressure on public balance sheets.
The IPP & PPA Conference at the Africa Energy Indaba will provide a platform for dialogue on:
- De-risking IPP projects
- Sovereign, currency and off-taker risk mitigation
- Guarantees, blended finance and insurance solutions
- Bankable PPAs and regulatory certainty.
- Gas, LNG and Energy security
Natural gas continues to play an important role in Africa’s energy mix – supporting grid stability, supplying industrial energy demand and enabling cleaner transition pathways.
With new gas discoveries, LNG import terminals and regional pipelines under development, gas is enabling:
- Industrial competitiveness
- Flexible power generation
- Energy security for fast-growing economies.
The indaba hosts the annual Africa Gas Forum, which looks at how gas can be deployed responsibly alongside renewables to support Africa’s development objectives.
- Corporate & Industrial energy demand
Africa’s mining, manufacturing, telecoms and commercial sectors are driving rapid growth in private energy procurement. Corporate PPAs, embedded generation and wheeling frameworks are transforming how energy is financed and delivered.
This shift is unlocking:
- New private capital flows
- Faster project development timelines
- Greater energy resilience for industry.
- Regional power markets & cross-border trade
Africa’s energy future is regional. Power pool integration, cross-border PPAs and harmonised market frameworks are essential to unlocking scale and affordability.
The Africa Energy Indaba will facilitate dialogue around:
- Southern African Wholesale Electricity Market (SAWEM)
- Regional interconnectors and transmission corridors
- Cross-border energy trading frameworks.
A distinguishing feature of the Africa Energy Indaba is its focus on delivery. It is a deal-making, project-focused platform where policy meets capital and strategy meets implementation.
Each year, the indaba convenes: government ministers and regulators, shaping policy; DFIs and financiers deploying capital; utilities and system operators; IPPs, developers and EPCs; and technology providers across the energy value chain. This creates an environment for partnerships, project origination and investment mobilisation.
Positioning Africa for global energy investment
As global capital seeks stable, high-growth markets aligned with energy transition goals, Africa is increasingly in focus. However, investors want clarity, scale and credible platforms where they can engage with key players.
The Africa Energy Indaba positions Africa – and South Africa in particular – as investment-ready reform-driven and open for energy partnerships.
Fostering collaboration across public and private sectors, the indaba strengthens investor confidence and accelerates project development pipelines. Africa’s energy sector is entering a defining decade. Decisions made now will determine whether the continent can unlock its demographic dividend, industrialise sustainably and compete globally.
The Africa Energy Indaba, taking place 3 to 5 March this year at the CTICC in Cape Town, serves as a catalyst in this journey, bringing together the leaders, capital and solutions required to power Africa’s growth.
For more information visit: https://africaenergyindaba.com/