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The African Energy Chamber is preparing to host African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 in Cape Town from October 12 to 16, with more than 9,000 delegates and over 400 speakers expected to attend across five days of conferences, exhibitions and dealmaking forums.
The event spans the full spectrum of Africa’s energy industry, covering upstream exploration and production, energy finance, downstream operations, petrochemicals, power generation and renewables across five conference stages.
Five stages covering the energy value chain
The conference programme is structured around five platforms: the Upstream E&P Forum, Energy Finance Forum, Energy Additions Forum, AEW Townhall and Downstream and Petrochemicals Forum. Each is designed to examine the projects and companies shaping Africa’s energy sector.
Country spotlights will present market opportunities to international investors, while dedicated roundtables will address local content, US-Africa energy investment, OPEC-Africa cooperation and partnerships between national and international oil companies.
A technical programme called the Drill Room will focus on geology, exploration and subsurface intelligence, and an Innovation Hub will examine technologies being applied across the industry.
AI, data centres and power generation
Two dedicated conferences will sit alongside the main programme.
Renegade Intel will explore the intersection of AI, natural gas, power generation, data centres, data sovereignty and infrastructure financing. The aim is to connect energy producers with technology companies, financiers and digital infrastructure developers.
Power Africa Today will bring together ministers, utilities, regulators, investors and developers for three days of discussions on generation, grids, gas-to-power, renewables, nuclear energy, regional power trade, electrification and project finance.
Dealmaking forums
AEW 2026 has been structured to facilitate transactions alongside panel discussions. Sponsored by Premier Invest, the Deal Room will connect project sponsors, developers and promoters with investors and lenders across oil, gas, power and infrastructure opportunities.
The African Farmout Forum, organised in partnership with Moyes & Co, Farmout Angel and Envoi Ltd, will feature available blocks and acreage from across the continent. It is intended to connect companies seeking partners with investors looking for upstream entry points.
Networking and awards
The week opens with a Just Energy Transition concert, followed by a calendar of networking receptions, power lunches and side events running throughout the five days.
On Tuesday, October 13, a Gala Dinner and Awards ceremony will recognise companies and individuals across 12 categories spanning the energy value chain.
Exhibition
A major exhibition will run alongside the conference, giving companies access to delegates, investors, policymakers and potential partners. The exhibition floor is positioned as a space for companies to showcase capabilities, launch products and pursue commercial relationships across African markets.
Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, NJ Ayuk, outlined the scope of the event.
“AEW 2026 is where Africa’s energy ambitions become transactions. Over one week, we will unite governments with acreage, companies with projects, investors with capital and technology providers with solutions,” Ayuk stated.
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“Whether you are looking for a license, a farm-in partner, project finance, a power opportunity or your next market, Cape Town is where those conversations will happen.”
Further information is available at AECWeek.com.
Last Updated on September 15, 2026 by Nick Ross
