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Regional Energy Integration Session at Cape Town Energy Event to Tackle Africa’s $170B Infrastructure Gap
Africa’s infrastructure deficit remains a significant barrier to its development, with annual investment needs estimated between $130 billion and $170 billion. This gap underscores the urgency for innovative financing to support critical energy infrastructure projects that can drive regional integration and economic growth.
At African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025 – taking place from September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town – a pivotal panel discussion will delve into the challenges and opportunities associated with financing major cross-border energy infrastructure projects in Africa. The Regional Energy Integration: Financing Cross-Border Pipelines and Shared Infrastructure Projects panel will explore strategies to mobilize capital, navigate regulatory complexities and foster collaboration for transformative continental energy and infrastructure initiatives.
AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.aecweek.com for more information about this exciting event.
The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), spanning 1,443km from Uganda to Tanzania, is now more than 64% complete, marking a major milestone for regional energy integration. Supported by both developer equity and innovative regional financing, EACOP promises to boost trade, create jobs and attract investment. The pipeline highlights Africa’s potential to overcome complex logistical, financial and regulatory challenges to deliver transformative cross-border energy infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the $25 billion Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline, or African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, is now moving toward construction, signaling a major leap for regional energy integration. Stretching 6,000km across 13 African countries, the pipeline will supply 30 billion cubic meters of gas annually, including to landlocked Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali, while connecting Morocco to European markets. With strong governmental agreements, phased financing and growing investor interest, the pipeline is set to expand electricity access, support industrial growth and strengthen Africa’s economic and strategic position.
The Lobito Corridor railway project in Angola is set to commence construction in Q3 2026 as the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation finalizes over $500 million in finncing to connect central Africa’s copper belt to the Atlantic port of Lobito. Spanning more than 530km from Zambia’s Chingola region to Angola’s Benguela railway at Lucano, the corridor will facilitate the export of copper and agricultural products. With strong interest from the U.S., EU and regional partners, the project is set to enhance trade, critical minerals infrastructure and regional economic integration.
These transformative infrastructure projects are crucial for improving resource distribution and boosting intra-African trade, linking landlocked regions to ports and connecting energy and mineral resources across the continent. Yet, securing financing for such large-scale initiatives remains challenging, as developers navigate complex regulatory frameworks, geopolitical risks and significant investment gaps.
As such, the panel will unite key voices from across Africa’s energy and finance sectors, including Amina Benkhadra, Director General, ONHYM; John Ngunjiri, Associate, Norton Rose Fulbright; Cláudio Mussa, Key Account Manager, CPMZ; Taona Kokera, Director, Forvis Mazars and representatives from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation. Their combined expertise spans hydrocarbon development, legal and regulatory advisory, project accounting, financial structuring and national oil company operations, offering diverse perspective on the challenges and opportunities of financing cross-border energy and infrastructure projects in Africa.
“Financing Africa’s energy and infrastructure projects is a complex challenge, but one with enormous potential. Successfully cross-border initiatives can connect markets, expand access to resources and strengthen regional economies. By bringing together public and private expertise, these projects can create lasting opportunities for growth across the continent,” states Tomás Gerbasio, VP of Commercial and Strategic Engagement, African Energy Chamber.