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Microsoft will run an AI and Azure masterclass at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 in Cape Town, focusing on how cloud computing, analytics and AI can be applied across Africa’s upstream oil and gas, power and renewable energy sectors.
The session, titled Microsoft Masterclass: AI & Data Adoption for African Energy Companies, will take place as part of the Renegade Intel platform at AEW 2026, which runs from 12 to 16 October in Cape Town. It will be led by Darryl Willis, Microsoft’s Corporate Vice President for Energy, alongside other industry figures.
The masterclass will cover how Microsoft Azure can support digital transformation in African energy operations, with practical guidance for companies looking to integrate AI into day-to-day workflows.
Cloud Analytics In Upstream Operations
In upstream oil and gas, cloud-based analytics and edge computing are being used by operators to process production data in real time, predict equipment failures and optimise drilling performance. High-performance computing on Azure is also being applied to seismic processing and basin modelling, helping explorers evaluate opportunities such as the Orange Basin.
The masterclass will examine how organisations can progress from consolidating operational data and migrating legacy systems through to deploying connected IoT platforms, analytics and AI-enabled automation.
Data Centres Driving Grid Investment
The growing relationship between energy infrastructure and digital investment is already visible in Africa. The City of Cape Town has approved the construction of two hyperscale data centres with a combined planned electricity demand of 174 MW. Designed to support AI computing and cloud services, the facilities illustrate how data centres are becoming long-term baseload electricity consumers, driving investment in grid modernisation, energy wheeling and more resilient electricity infrastructure.
Separately, Cassava Technologies, through Africa Data Centres and Liquid C2, has designated its Johannesburg facility as a Microsoft Azure ExpressRoute Metro peering location, strengthening regional cloud connectivity and supporting demand for AI-ready digital infrastructure in the region.
Grid Modernisation And Energy Transition
The masterclass is expected to cover how predictive analytics combined with smart meters and connected infrastructure can help grid operators anticipate transmission constraints, improve power wheeling and balance generation from gas, hydro and renewable sources.
Cloud platforms are also supporting Africa’s energy transition in other ways. Azure Data Manager for Energy enables standardised carbon accounting and emissions reporting, helping companies strengthen ESG compliance and improve access to international financing. Virtual power plants are allowing distributed solar and battery assets to operate as coordinated systems, improving grid stability while supporting regional electricity markets.
Data Sovereignty And Cybersecurity
The session will also examine how localised Azure environments can support compliance with national data sovereignty requirements across different African jurisdictions. On the security side, Microsoft Sentinel and Azure Defender for IoT are positioned as tools for securing industrial control systems, smart grids and critical energy infrastructure.
NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, commented: “Artificial intelligence is transforming every part of the energy value chain, from exploration and production to electricity delivery and infrastructure management.”
“The Microsoft Masterclass will provide practical insights into how African energy companies can deploy these technologies to improve performance, strengthen resilience and support long-term growth,” he added.
Conference Context
African Energy Week 2026 brings together energy companies, technology providers, investors and policymakers. The event runs from 12 to 16 October in Cape Town.
Last Updated on July 30, 2026 by Nick Ross
