Energy ministers, investors and power utilities from across Africa will meet in Cape Town in March 2027 for the 19th Africa Energy Indaba.
The event will run from 2 to 4 March 2027 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), according to Green Building Africa. The organisers said leaders from outside Africa will also attend.
This year’s theme is “African Energy, Pathways to Prosperity: Connectiveness and Cooperation”. The organisers said the talks will focus on the money and building work needed to turn Africa’s energy potential into economic growth.
The guest list includes government leaders, utilities, financiers, project developers, large energy users and technology providers. Industry executives are also expected.
The organisers said Africa has large energy resources, fast-growing cities and a growing population. They said a shortage of electricity and infrastructure still holds back economic growth in many countries.
Technology will be one of the main topics. The Indaba will look at how artificial intelligence and digital tools are being used by Africa’s utilities, power grids and energy markets.
According to the organisers, these tools could help with skills shortages and better system management. They could also speed up the rollout of new power generation.
The organisers said the talks will go beyond using technology built elsewhere. Delegates will discuss how Africa can grow its own research, new ideas and ability to sell them.
Mission 300 will also be on the agenda. The organisers said speakers will look at what the programme has actually delivered and where investors can find bankable projects.
Other talks will cover the expansion of transmission grids and stronger links between countries. Regional power pools, wheeling and open-access electricity markets are also listed.
Mines and large industrial users will be part of talks on energy corridors. The organisers said big power users can create steady demand that helps pay for new power plants and lines.
The programme will also look at how the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) can help energy plans reach financial close. The aim is to get projects built on the ground.
On funding, the organisers said Africa’s energy plans will need governments, development finance institutions and more private investors. Talks will cover ways to close funding gaps and lower project risk.
The types of energy to be discussed include renewable energy, gas, storage and hybrid systems. Decentralised energy, transmission and distribution are also on the list.
The organisers said fuel price shocks, disrupted shipping routes and commodity shortages have shown how exposed African economies are. The opening sessions will discuss how countries can better withstand future global shocks.
Another session will look at energy, mining and critical minerals. The organisers said Africa should keep more value from its minerals by processing them and making goods on the continent.
The event will offer meetings between governments, between governments and businesses, and between businesses. More details are available on the Africa Energy Indaba website.
Source: this article is based on reporting by Green Building Africa. Image: Green Building Africa. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Technology desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Werner Jacobs covers technology for Tzaneen Voice. Werner reports on mobile networks, data prices, internet access, smartphones, apps, AI, cybersecurity and South African tech companies. Each story explains what a new product, price change or policy means for ordinary users in South Africa.