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AEW 2026 to Examine Senegal's Energy Journey from Gas Importer to Gas Producer
Three senior government and regulatory leaders shaping the energy future of Barbados, Angola and Morocco’s energy sectors will speak at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, taking place in Cape Town from October 12–16. Their participation comes as each market advances major reforms aimed at attracting investment, expanding energy infrastructure and strengthening long-term energy security.
Bringing together ministers, regulators, national oil companies and global investors, AEW 2026 serves as the continent’s leading platform for shaping energy policy and commercial partnerships. Discussions will span upstream, licensing, energy transition strategies, infrastructure development and regional integration, with government leaders playing a central role in defining the investment landscape across African and international markets.
Kerrie D. Symmonds, Barbados’ Minister of Energy, Business Development and Commerce and Senior Minister Coordinating the Productive Sector, joins the conference as the Caribbean nation pursues a dual-track energy strategy. Following his appointment in February this year, Symmonds has overseen policies supporting Barbados’ target of achieving 100% renewable electricity by 2030 while opening the country’s offshore sector to new exploration.
In June, the government launched direct negotiations for 19 ultra-deepwater blocks covering more than 62,000 km2, creating opportunities for international explorers alongside continued investment in battery storage and grid modernization. At AEW 2026, Minister Symmonds’ participation is set to highlight Barbados’ strategy to align energy security with economic growth and private investment.
Positioned to offer insight into one of Africa’s largest upstream investment programs, Executive Board Member at Angola’s National Oil, Gas & Biofuels Agency (ANPG) Alcides Andrade comes on board AEW 2026 as the organization implements a $60 billion strategy through 2030. The ANPG is also supporting major developments including Agogo, Begonia, CLOV Phase 3, and the Quiluma and Mabowueiro gas projects.
As Angola works to stabilize oil production and expand domestic refining capacity, Andrade will be positioned to discuss the regulatory reforms and investment opportunities driving the country’s next phase of growth.
Meanwhile, Salwa Didi, Head of the Offshore Evaluation Division at Morocco’s National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM), joins AEW 2026 as the agency undertakes the biggest institutional reform in its history. ONHYM’s conversion into a state-backed joint-stock company gives it greater flexibility to raise capital, establish subsidiaries and attract strategic partners. The reform coincides with progress at the Tendrara Gas Project, renewed offshore exploration efforts and continued advancement of the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline, strengthening Morocco’s ambition to become a regional energy hub linking African gas resources with European markets.
“Energy investment is built on strong institutions, clear policy and competitive investment frameworks,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. “Barbados, Angola and Morocco are demonstrating different approaches to unlocking their energy potential, and AEW 2026 provides an important platform for these leaders to engage directly with investors and industry.”
The participation of Minister Symmonds, Andrade and Didi reinforces AEW 2026’s role as the continent’s premier platform for dialogue between governments and the private sector. Taking place over five days at the Cape Town International Conference Center, the event connects policymakers with the investors and developers driving Africa’s next generation of energy projects.