CAPE TOWN, South Africa: Energy ministers, investors, financiers and industry leaders from across Africa and beyond will gather in Cape Town from 2 to 4 March 2027 for the 19th Africa Energy Indaba, with discussions expected to focus on investment, electricity infrastructure and the role of energy in driving the continent’s economic growth.
The event will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) under the theme “African Energy – Pathways to Prosperity: Connectiveness and Cooperation.”
The gathering comes as African countries seek to expand electricity access, strengthen energy security and develop the infrastructure needed to support industrialisation, manufacturing, mining and job creation.
Despite possessing significant energy resources, a growing population and considerable potential for industrial development, many African economies continue to face electricity shortages and inadequate transmission and distribution networks.
The Indaba will bring together government representatives, utilities, project developers, energy consumers, technology providers and development finance institutions to explore ways of turning the continent’s energy resources into viable investments and economic opportunities.
A major focus will be on moving from policy commitments to projects that can be implemented, particularly those aimed at expanding electricity access and strengthening regional energy infrastructure.
Mission 300, which aims to connect 300 million people in sub Saharan Africa to electricity by 2030, will feature in discussions about implementation progress, investment opportunities and reforms needed to accelerate connections.
Participants will examine where bankable projects are emerging, how financing gaps can be addressed and what governments need to do to attract investment into electricity generation and infrastructure.
The expansion of transmission networks and the integration of national electricity systems will also be discussed, including opportunities to improve cross border electricity trade and strengthen regional power markets.
Mining companies and large industrial consumers are expected to feature in conversations about energy corridors, where major electricity users can provide the demand needed to justify investment in new generation and transmission infrastructure. Such projects could also improve electricity availability for surrounding communities and businesses.
The African Continental Free Trade Area will form part of discussions on regional cooperation, particularly how stronger electricity markets and cross border infrastructure can support trade, industrial development and investment across African economies.
Financing is expected to be another central issue, with governments increasingly looking to development finance institutions and private investors to help fund energy projects.
The programme will examine ways to reduce investment risks, improve regulatory certainty and attract long term capital into renewable energy, natural gas, electricity storage, decentralised power systems and hybrid technologies.
Regional electricity integration will also be considered, including cross border transmission lines, regional power pools, electricity wheeling and open access markets that could allow countries to share available power resources more efficiently.
Energy security will feature prominently against the backdrop of international geopolitical and economic disruptions that have exposed African economies to fuel price fluctuations, shipping interruptions and commodity shortages.
Discussions will consider how countries can strengthen domestic energy systems, diversify supply sources and build greater resilience against future global shocks.
The Indaba will also examine the growing role of artificial intelligence and digital technologies in electricity generation, grid management and energy markets.
Participants are expected to explore how digital solutions can improve the performance of utilities, support the integration of new generation technologies and address skills shortages. The programme will also consider opportunities for African countries to strengthen their own research, innovation and technology commercialisation capabilities.
The relationship between energy, mining and industrialisation will form another key part of the discussions.
Africa possesses significant reserves of minerals required by the global energy economy, but many countries continue to export raw materials without capturing the full economic value through local processing and manufacturing.
The Indaba will examine how reliable and competitively priced electricity can support mineral beneficiation, manufacturing and the development of industries that create employment and retain more value within African economies.
Organisers say the gathering will provide a platform for government to government, government to business and business to business engagement, connecting African energy projects with international capital, technology and expertise.
The 19th Africa Energy Indaba is scheduled for 2 to 4 March 2027 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in South Africa.
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