London will host the 23rd edition of the Africa Energy Forum (AEF) from 15 to 17 November 2021. It is one of the largest events on energy in Africa, bringing together policy makers, regulators, technology providers, developers, financial partners, etc. This edition was postponed because of the Covid-19, and is therefore highly anticipated, and will be held just a few days after the COP26.
What role will energy play in Africa’s economic recovery? This is one of the questions that will be discussed at the 2021 edition of the Africa Energy Forum (AEF). It is one of the most important events on energy in Africa. Organized by EnergyNet, the forum takes place November 15-17, 2021 in London, UK. The AEF annually brings together governments, utilities and regulators, development finance institutions, commercial banks, energy developers, technology providers, EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) contractors, and professional service providers.
For this 23rd edition, already postponed due to the global health crisis caused by Covid-19, discussions will revolve around current issues, including the energy transition, electrification of Africa and the thorny issue of financing. Among the distinguished guests at AEF 2021 is Gwede Mantashe, South Africa’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, who is currently spearheading one of the most ambitious renewable energy programs in Africa. The Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Program (REIPPP) allows independent power producers to sign public-private partnerships (PPPs) with the South African government.
Distinguished guests
AEF 2021 will also welcome Bachir Ismaël Ouedraogo, the Minister of Energy of Burkina Faso. This West African country is moving towards solar and storage to increase its installed capacity and thus accelerate the electrification of its population. Egypt, which will be represented by Mohamed Shaker El-Markabi, its Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, has chosen the same path by also focusing on wind power.
Several development financing institutions will be present. This is the case of the British investor CDC Group, which is also the host of the 2021 edition of the AEF. Very active in the renewable energy sector in Africa, the World Bank Group will be represented by two of its subsidiaries, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) which finances IPPs, and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA). Other investors such as the African Development Bank (AfDB), the European Investment Bank (EIB) and Actis will be present at the AEF.
The 25th edition in Africa
The 2021 edition will be held just a few days after the 2021 Glasgow Conference on Climate Change (COP26). For the organizers of the AEF, “the event will provide an ideal basis for discussing how the billions of dollars of climate finance that will reach the continent will be implemented.
It is in Africa that EnergyNet has agreed to organize the 25th edition of the Africa Energy Forum with AfDB Vice President Kevin Kariuki. This edition will be organized in June 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya, under the theme, “Africa for Africa”. A choice that will undoubtedly be on the menu of exchanges during the 23rd AEF in London.
Jean Marie Takouleu
