OPEC Talks: Africa’s Energy Outlook to 2050

15 Oct 2026
Room 2.4A
The Innovation Hub

Africa is poised to become one of the drivers of global economic and energy demand growth over the coming decades. 

The continent’s population is projected to increase from just over 1.5 billion people in 2025 to nearly 2.5 billion by 2050. Such a rapid demographic expansion, coupled with accelerating urbanization and economic transformation, will have profound implications for Africa’s long- term energy landscape. The session provides an in-depth presentation and discussion on OPEC’s perspectives of energy and oil demand in Africa in the medium and long term, as well as energy and clean cooking access.

Speakers
Ayed S. Qahtani
Ayed S. Qahtani, Director of the Research Division - OPEC
Abderrezak Benyoucef
Abderrezak Benyoucef, Head of Energy Study Department - Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)