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Bankability Takes Center Stage at AEW 2026 as Financiers and Dealmakers Shape Africa’s Energy Pipeline
In Africa’s energy sector, resource potential alone is no longer enough. Projects are increasingly judged – and funded – on bankability, placing the financiers and legal architects behind deal structuring at the center of which developments move forward. This shift will define discussions at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, where senior investors, fund managers and energy lawyers will convene to focus on one question: how to turn projects into financeable opportunities.
Capital mobilization remains the industry’s primary constraint, and few speakers reflect that challenge more clearly than René Awambeng, Founder and Managing Partner of Premier Invest. Having mobilized over $10 billion for African energy projects, and previously serving as Global Head of Client Relations at Afreximbank, Awambeng brings deep experience in structuring financing mechanisms that connect African assets with global capital. At AEW 2026, he will highlight efforts to channel investment from Gulf-based and international partners into the continent’s energy sector.
At the same time, blended finance is opening new pathways for funding energy transition projects. The SA-H2 Fund – a $750 million facility managed by Climate Fund Managers in partnership with Invest International – is building a pipeline of green hydrogen and e-fuels projects in Southern Africa. In May 2026, the fund signed a development funding agreement for South Africa’s first wastewater-to-green-methanol plant in Gauteng, following its earlier commitment to the Hive Hydrogen Coega green ammonia project. CEO Mphokolo Makara joins AEW 2026 as the fund scales its investment activity.
“Capital does not flow to potential, it flows to bankable structures. When financiers and lawyers who understand African markets design the deals, projects reach final investment decisions faster and on better terms,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.
Legal expertise remains central to that process. Tominiyi Owolabi, Managing Partner of Olaniwun Ajayi LP, has advised on some of Nigeria’s most significant energy transactions, including the $3 billion hybrid financing for Nigeria LNG’s Train 7 project. His participation reflects the growing role of African law firms in executing complex, large-scale deals across the continent.
International firms are also expanding their footprint. Deji Adegoke, Partner at White & Case and Head of its Africa practice, advises lenders, development finance institutions and sponsors on project finance across oil, gas, power and mining. His recent work includes advising lenders on Renaissance Africa Energy’s acquisition of Shell’s onshore Nigerian assets.
John Ngunjiri, Associate in Energy & Infrastructure M&A at Norton Rose Fulbright, brings nearly two decades of capital project experience, including with ExxonMobil, and will share insights on structuring transactions that meet international financing standards.
Taking place from October 12–16 in Cape Town, AEW 2026 will bring together these financiers and advisors with governments and operators seeking capital – transforming discussions on bankability into the frameworks, partnerships and deal structures underpinning Africa’s next wave of energy investment.