10,000 delegates gather in Cape Town for African Energy Week 2026
The annual event, which describes itself as a leading platform for energy deal-making on the continent, opened with a series of technical workshops focusing on oil, gas, power, infrastructure and energy finance
CAPE TOWN, October 11, 2026 — More than 10,000 delegates have gathered in Cape Town for African Energy Week [AEW] 2026, bringing together government officials, investors, financiers, energy companies and technology providers to discuss investment and development opportunities across Africa’s energy sector.
The annual event, which describes itself as a leading platform for energy deal-making on the continent, opened with a series of technical workshops focusing on oil, gas, power, infrastructure and energy finance.
The programme includes the eighth meeting of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation [APPO] National Oil Companies CEOs’ Forum, bringing together executives from African national oil companies.
The Deal Room will provide project developers and sponsors with an opportunity to present oil, gas, energy and infrastructure projects to potential investors and lenders.
The African Farmout Forum will also showcase available acreage and farm-out opportunities, while workshops and masterclasses will focus on energy markets, project financing and industry capacity.
The Global Energy Leaders Forum is expected to examine energy security, geopolitical shifts and investment, with discussions on how changes in global energy flows could translate into long-term contracts, final investment decisions and increased energy security for African countries.
Focus on Africa’s energy value chain
Over the coming days, AEW 2026 will cover developments across the continent’s energy value chain.
The AEW Townhall will bring together governments and industry representatives to discuss strategic issues affecting Africa’s energy future, while the Upstream E&P Forum will focus on licensing, exploration, drilling, mergers and acquisitions and production growth.
The Energy Finance Forum will focus on access to capital for energy projects, while the Energy Additions Forum will examine infrastructure and resources needed to expand reliable energy supply and support industrialisation.
The Downstream & Petchem Forum will address refining, fuels and petrochemicals, with discussions expected to focus on increasing value addition to Africa’s natural resources.
Global energy issues
The conference will also feature discussions involving international energy organisations and governments, including the OPEC-Africa Roundtable and the Russia-Africa Energy Investment Forum.
Other sessions will examine issues affecting project development, including local content, while ministerial and country-focused discussions will provide opportunities for governments to engage investors and energy operators.
AEW 2026 will also feature two conferences covering emerging areas of the energy sector.
Renegade Intel will examine the intersection of energy, artificial intelligence, data centres and digital infrastructure, while Power Africa Today will focus on investment in the power sector, transmission, storage, grid modernisation and electricity supply.
Technology and innovation
The event’s technical programme will include two dedicated stages, The Drill Room and The Innovation Hub, featuring presentations on exploration, subsurface technologies, liquefied natural gas [LNG], infrastructure and asset integrity.
An exhibition running alongside the conference will bring together energy operators, service companies, technology providers, governments and potential business partners.
The event will also include cultural and industry activities, including the Just Energy Transition Concert, which is scheduled for the first day.
The African Energy Awards & Gala Dinner is scheduled for Tuesday and will recognise companies, projects and individuals contributing to the development of Africa’s energy sector.
NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, said the high attendance reflected growing interest in advancing energy projects on the continent.
“Ten thousand delegates have come to Cape Town because Africa is ready to move projects forward,” Ayuk said. “This week is about action, investment and building Africa’s energy future on African soil.”
https://thecooperator.news/aec-to-launch-2027-african-energy-outlook-at-aew-2026/
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