African Energy Leaders Head to Paris Forum to Court Global Investors
Senior delegations from Nigeria, Senegal, Zambia and Djibouti are set to engage global investors at the upcoming Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2026 Forum, as the continent intensifies efforts to attract capital and accelerate energy development.
The event, organised by Energy Capital & Power, will take place from 22–23 April 2026 in Paris, bringing together policymakers, project developers and investors to explore opportunities across Africa’s rapidly evolving energy sector.
The participation of the four countries reflects a broader continental push to expand energy infrastructure, scale domestic production and strengthen regional integration in oil, gas, power and renewable energy.
Nigeria is expected to highlight its growing gas sector and export potential, supported by reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act. The country’s Dangote Petroleum Refinery, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, has reached full operation and begun exporting refined products to regional markets. Major infrastructure projects, including the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline and the proposed Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline, are also set to attract investor interest.
Senegal will showcase its emergence as a new oil and gas producer, following strong output from the Sangomar field and the launch of liquefied natural gas production under the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project. The country is also advancing renewable energy initiatives under its Just Energy Transition Partnership.
Zambia, meanwhile, is positioning itself as a diversified energy market by reducing reliance on hydropower and expanding into solar, coal and petroleum projects. Key developments include the planned $1.1 billion Ndola refinery, as well as the Chisamba and Itimpi II solar plants. Policy reforms aimed at encouraging private sector participation are expected to support the country’s target of reaching 10 gigawatts of generation capacity by 2030.
Djibouti is focusing on renewable energy expansion and its role as a regional energy and logistics hub. Projects such as the Ghoubet Wind Farm, the Grand Bara Solar Plant and geothermal development at Lake Assal are central to the country’s strategy to achieve universal electricity access in the coming decade.
The forum will provide a platform for direct engagement between investors and African energy stakeholders, offering insights into investment pipelines, regulatory frameworks and emerging opportunities.
With demand for energy rising across the continent, IAE 2026 is expected to play a key role in facilitating partnerships and unlocking financing to support Africa’s energy transition and long-term economic growth.
