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The African Energy Chamber (AEC) – the voice of the African energy sector – is proud to announce that the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy conference remains committed to hosting the most successful energy event on the African continent in Cape Town. AEW was established in 2021 with the vision of making energy poverty history by 2030 and, now in its fourth successful edition, we remain committed to keeping the event at Cape Town’s International Conference Centre (CTICC) until 2030.

Africa Oil Week (AOW) recently confirmed that it will hold its 2025 edition in Accra, Ghana, and while we wish them the best in their efforts, the Chamber is unwavering in its commitment to hosting AEW – the continent’s premier energy event – ​​in Cape Town. In 2021, AOW decided to hold its conference in Dubai, arguing that Africa was not equipped to safely host a large-scale conference due to the COVID-19 pandemic. AOW claims that the event is about meeting the needs of Africa, while the decision to move from Cape Town to Dubai contradicts that very ambition.

AEW: Invest in African Energy is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and governments, and has established itself as the official venue for signing energy deals in Africa. Visit www.aecweek.com for more information on this exciting event.

AEW sought to prove, and succeeded, that Africa has always been capable of hosting large-scale events. Under very strict safety measures (COVID-19), AEW 2021 welcomed delegations from the African and global energy sector. In 2022, the conference attracted thousands of delegates, while in 2023, the conference supported an even bigger and better event. When Africa needed investment, AEW responded quickly by providing a platform where stakeholders could meet and deals could be made.

Now, in 2024, AEW: Invest in African Energy continues our mandate to eradicate energy poverty by 2030 and serves as the official meeting place for Africa’s energy elite. At the forefront of the African energy industry, the conference promotes Africa’s role in global energy issues, focusing on African-led dialogue and decision-making. That is why we remain committed to Cape Town, a city that represents an industrial, commercial and socio-economic hub for the entire African continent. Furthermore, AEW is not limited to South Africa, as the event recognizes and supports the development of various oil and gas projects across the continent.

South Africa, and in particular Minister Gwede Mantashe and the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, have been steadfast supporters of the AEW since its inception. Through our partnership with the City of Cape Town and the Government, we have created many employment opportunities in Cape Town, contributing significantly to the local tourism industry and Cape Town-based vendors. We remain true to our promise to make Cape Town the hub for oil, gas and energy discussions in Africa.

We reaffirm our commitment to maintaining AEW’s presence in Cape Town, rather than relocating it to Dubai or other destinations outside Africa. Our goal is to address key issues in the African energy sector, ensuring that service providers, small businesses, local companies and South African stakeholders continue to benefit from our efforts. AEW not only generates jobs, but also drives economic growth.

As Africa's largest energy conference, we recognise the challenges facing Cape Town and are committed to making a positive impact on the community.

Meanwhile, outside of South Africa, the continent is experiencing monumental growth. In Senegal and Mauritania, first production is expected soon from the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim conventional gas development, while Senegal achieved its first oil production this year, demonstrating the potential for investment in offshore exploration and production. In Uganda, progress continues on the Lake Albert development, a multifaceted project that promises new opportunities for energy security and industrialization in East Africa. In the Republic of Congo, marginal projects are moving forward as the government prioritizes gas investment and development, while Libya recently announced that oil production had reached 1.217 million barrels per day.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s neighbour Namibia has made significant oil and gas discoveries since 2022 and is making significant progress in developing these major discoveries. Mozambique is steadily progressing its three major gas projects, opening up new opportunities for regional trade. All of these projects and more are showcased at AEW: Invest in African Energy, with investment opportunities made clear to existing and potential investors. AEW promotes the African position on the future of Africa’s energy sector. By advocating personal responsibility, free markets, individual freedom and an investor-friendly environment, AEW ensures that Africa’s oil and natural gas industry benefits Africans, rather than continuing to depend on foreign aid and assistance.

That is why we are fully committed to leveraging all that Cape Town has to offer, a city that has hosted every edition of our conference since 2021. At CTICC, we will continue to host roundtables, investor forums, industry summits and one-on-one meeting opportunities, and lead the discussions that will reshape the trajectory of the continent’s energy development.

“The Chamber is unwavering in its commitment to hosting AEW in Cape Town, a city that embodies the spirit of opportunity and innovation. The city is a hub for energy dialogue in Africa and by remaining here, we are reinforcing our mission to make energy poverty history by 2030. Cape Town has proven to be a unique location for fostering critical dialogue and investment in Africa’s energy sector and we believe this vibrant city is the ideal backdrop for our mandate. Together, we will continue to drive progress and empower local actors for sustainable growth,” said NJ Ayuk, AEC Executive Chairman.