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As Africa accelerates efforts to transform its position in global energy markets – shifting from a major exporter of crude oil and importer of refined products toward a more integrated refining, trading and energy investment hub – market intelligence and strategic analysis will become increasingly important for investors and policymakers. Reflecting this transition, a senior delegation from S&P Global Energy is confirmed to participate at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, bringing expertise spanning fuels, refining, natural gas, power markets, geopolitics and global energy finance.

At the head of the delegation is Atul Arya, Senior Vice President and Chief Energy Strategist, who will be positioned to lead discussions on the global investment landscape shaping Africa’s energy future. As African upstream capital expenditure is projected to reach approximately $41 billion, his participation is expected to provide insight into how investors are balancing conventional energy development, evolving market dynamics and the long-term energy transition.

The downstream sector represents one of the most significant areas of change across the continent. Africa’s refining landscape is being reshaped by large-scale projects aimed at reducing import dependence and retaining greater value from domestic hydrocarbon resources. Daniel Evans, Vice President and Global Head of Fuels and Refining Research is well-positioned to bring a global perspective on refining margins, crude processing trends, fuel specifications and changing international trade flows.

This transformation is already visible across key regional markets. Nigeria’s Dangote Petroleum Refinery has emerged as a new global refining powerhouse, operating above its original 650,000-barrel-per-day nameplate capacity during optimization campaigns and supplying gasoline, diesel and aviation fuel to markets across Africa, Europe and the U.S. Meanwhile, Angola is expanding capacity through the Cabinda, Lobito and planned Soyo refineries, while facilities in Ghana, Senegal, Algeria and South Africa are pursuing upgrades and operational strategies designed to strengthen regional fuel security.

Providing a dedicated continental perspective, Stanislas Drochon, Director and Head of Africa Fuels and Refining Research, is expected to examine the changing dynamics of African fuel demand, refinery utilization, infrastructure development and import-export balances. His insights come at a pivotal moment as African demand growth is expected to become a major contributor to global transportation fuel consumption over the coming decades, driven by industrialization, mining growth, expanding mobility and rising populations.

Beyond liquid fuels, the continent’s broader energy system is undergoing rapid diversification. Silvia Macri, Associate Director of Power and Renewables Research, will contribute expertise on electricity demand growth, renewable deployment, grid development and the integration of new energy systems. Her participation aligns with increasing investment in utility scale renewable projects, industrial power solutions and emerging value chains such as green hydrogen.

Natural gas, LNG trade and geopolitical risk will also feature prominently at AEW 2026. Laurent Ruseckas, Executive Director for First Take Gas, Geopolitics and Finance, is positioned to provide analysis on gas monetization strategies, LNG market evolution, cross-border infrastructure and geopolitical considerations influencing energy investment decisions.

“Reliable data, market intelligence and strategic insight are essential as Africa expands its refining capacity, develops new gas markets and attracts capital across the energy value chain. S&P Global’s expertise provides investors and industry leaders with the analytical foundation needed to make informed decisions as the continent advances its next phase of energy development,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber.

Taking place in Cape Town from October 12‒16, AEW 2026 will bring together S&P Global Energy alongside governments, operators, financiers and technology providers driving Africa’s energy transformation. The company’s participation underscores the growing importance of data-driven investment strategies as the continent scale refining capacity, strengthens energy trade corridors and mobilizes new sources of capital across the oil, gas and power sectors.