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As Africa scales upstream development, industrial expansion and cross-border energy trade, access to development finance and sophisticated legal advisory has become indispensable to turning investment commitments into operational projects. Reflecting this shift, African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 – taking place in Cape Town from October 12–16 – will welcome senior representatives from South Africa’s Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and pan-African legal and advisory firm CLG to this year’s speaker lineup.

The participation of these esteemed firms at AEW 2026 will provide delegates with valuable perspectives on the financial, legal and institutional frameworks needed to accelerate investment and support long-term industrial growth across the continent.

The IDC joins the conference following one of its most significant announcements of 2026. In late July, the state-owned development finance institution signed a joint framework agreement with Afreximbank targeting $8 billion in financing to strengthen South Africa’s industrial base, expand manufacturing capacity and support infrastructure development under the African Continental Free Trade Area. The initiative reinforces the institution’s growing role in mobilizing large-scale capital for industrialization while creating new opportunities for energy, mining and strategic infrastructure projects.

Under its 2026/27 strategic plan, the IDC has also committed R38.5 billion toward industrial development, including dedicated funding for local industrialists, women and youth-owned businesses. These initiatives underscore the organization’s expanding mandate as both a development financier and industrial catalyst.

Against this backdrop, Acting Divisional Executive for Mining, Metals, Infrastructure and Energy Nina Yose brings extensive experience to this year’s event. At AEW 2026, she is expected to offer valuable insight into how development finance institutions can unlock investment, strengthen capacity and support the next generation of African energy and infrastructure projects.

Complementing the financing perspective, CLG arrives at AEW 2026 as one of Africa’s premier legal and corporate advisory firms. Earlier this month, CLG’s Central African practice provided guidance on the Republic of Congo’s certified electronic invoicing system, helping companies navigate new compliance requirements affecting business operations across the region.

xRepresenting the firm at AEW 2026, Nigeria Office Director and Group Managing Counsel Adeleke Alao brings extensive expertise in project finance, cross-border transactions and energy regulation. Joining him, Director of Tax & Legal for Central Africa Grace Yella offers deep knowledge of tax, corporate structuring and regulatory compliance throughout the CEMAC region. Together, they are positioned to provide delegates with practical perspectives on managing legal risk, facilitating investment and creating regulatory certainty for Africa’s evolving energy sector.

“Mobilizing investment requires more than capital alone,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. “Strong development finance institutions and world-class legal expertise are essential to delivering projects, strengthening investor confidence and ensuring Africa captures greater value from its natural resources.”

The participation of these finance and legal institutions reflects the interconnected nature of Africa’s energy sector, where investment success depends on capital, sound governance and regulatory certainty working in tandem. As governments and investors pursue the continent’s next wave of oil, gas, mining and infrastructure developments, AEW 2026 will provide a vital platform for shaping the financial and legal frameworks needed to turn opportunity into long-term economic growth.