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AEW 2026 Strengthens Finance and Legal Agenda with High-Level Speaker Lineup
Securing capital, structuring complex transaction and strengthening regulatory certainty have become just as important as discovering new resources as Africa advances its next generation of energy projects. Reflecting this shift, senior executives from investment funds, international banking institutions and legal advisory firms have confirmed their participation as speakers at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW) 2026.
Taking place October 12‒16 in Cape Town, AEW 2026 serves as the continent’s premier platform for energy investment, bringing together operators, financiers, policymakers and service providers to advance project development.
The Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund (MFAGF) has committed more than $85 million across African venture capital, private equity and structured debt vehicles since launching its investment program, supporting 16 fund managers throughout the continent.
In May 2026, the fund anchored a major investment in Sabou Capital, extending financing to underserved markets across West and Central Africa while reinforcing its commitment to gender-diverse investment teams and women-focused enterprises. Richard Davis, Project Director, MFAGF joins AEW 2026 as the fund continues its aim to support 200 SMEs and create 250,000 work opportunities for young Africans by 2030.
Pan-African advisory firm CLG is also expanding its role in Africa’s evolving energy landscape. Operating across eight African jurisdictions, the firm recently strengthened its international footprint through a strategic partnership with Libya’s Zahaf & Partners while broadening its services into renewable energy, hydrogen and ESG advisory. CEO and Managing Partner Oneyka Cindy Ojogbo, appointed in January 2026, will be positioned to share insights during this year’s event as the firm accelerates its transition into a full-spectrum corporate advisory platform supporting cross-border energy investment.
Standard Chartered has expanded its transition finance activities while supporting major decarbonization initiatives, including financing for the HyNet carbon capture and storage project. Quentin Savinaud, Managing Director and Global Head of Energy, Corporate Coverage, joins AEW 2026 as the bank continues developing financing models that support both conventional energy investment and lower-carbon infrastructure across Africa and other emerging markets.
Meanwhile, with legal expertise remaining central to unlocking large-scale investment, Olaniwun Ajayi LP continues to advise banks, developers and governments on major project finance, infrastructure and energy transactions across the continent. Against this backdrop, Managing Partner Dr. Tominiyi Owolabi will participate at AEW 2026, bringing nearly three decades of experience in project finance, capital markets and infrastructure development.
“Delivering Africa’s energy future requires more than world-class resources. It requires investment platforms, financial institutions and legal expertise working together to reduce risk, unlock capital and create bankable projects that support long-term economic growth,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber.
At AEW 2026, these speakers will join industry leaders from across the energy value chain to explore the partnerships, capital solutions and regulatory frameworks needed to accelerate investment across Africa.