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S&P Global Energy to Mobilize Global Expertise at African Energy Week 2026 as Africa's Energy and Digital Ambitions Converge
- Senior leaders and specialists spanning energy markets, upstream, refining, power, critical minerals, AI, and data center infrastructure will contribute to the continent's investment dialogue
- 451 Research experts to spotlight intersection of digital infrastructure and energy through African Energy Week's inaugural “Renegade Intel” program
S&P Global Energy, a division of S&P Global, will bring a multidisciplinary delegation of senior leaders and subject matter experts to African Energy Week (AEW) taking place in Cape Town, October 12-16, 2026, amid the growing convergence of energy, technology, and investment across Africa.
The S&P Global Energy delegation will engage policymakers, investors, operators, and technology leaders through a series of presentations, executive discussions, and strategic engagements focused on advancing energy security, infrastructure development, and long-term economic growth across the continent.
The Executive Delegation at AEW 2026 includes:
- Dr. Atul Arya – Chief Energy Strategist
- Christian Nilsson – Chief Commercial Officer
- Vera Blei – Global Head of Platts
- Dan Pratt – Senior Vice President, Upstream
- Rahul Kapoor – Vice President and Head of Shipping & Metals Analysis
- Daniel Evans – Vice President and Global Head of Fuels and Refining Research
Together with experts spanning power and renewables, critical minerals, digital infrastructure, market intelligence, and Africa-focused research, the team will provide a comprehensive view of the opportunities and challenges shaping Africa's energy future. Insights will span frontier exploration and upstream investment, LNG and gas monetization, refining and fuels markets, shipping and commodity trade flows, power-sector development, critical minerals supply chains, and the implications of AI to energy systems.
Throughout the week, S&P Global Energy thought leaders will present insights and analysis across the energy value chain, will moderate panels, and will host invitation-only roundtables. At the S&P Global Energy booth, the company’s latest research tools and platforms will be on display and demonstrated.
On Tuesday, October 13, S&P Global Energy’s analysis report, The State of African Energy 2027, will be released. Africa’s energy sector is entering a pivotal period shaped by rising demand, geopolitical uncertainty, evolving trade flows and an urgent need for secure, affordable, and investable energy systems. This report will unveil key findings and provide a fact-based, forward-looking assessment of the continent’s upstream oil and gas, LNG, downstream markets, power and renewables, and critical-minerals sectors.
AI AND AFRICA
An inaugural program taking center stage in 2026 will be AEW’s Renegade Intel, which will explore the intersection of energy, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure. Experts on data center infrastructure, cloud services, and digital transformation from 451 Research, part of S&P Global Energy, will offer insights on how AI adoption, cloud computing, and data center expansion are reshaping energy demand, investment priorities, and infrastructure requirements globally.
"Africa’s energy future depends on balancing natural resource development with the infrastructure demanded by a digital economy," said Dr. Atul Arya, Chief Energy Strategist at S&P Global Energy. "African Energy Week provides a vital platform to connect these trends—from upstream investment to AI and data centers—driving the energy security and growth needed across the continent."
African Energy Week 2026 takes place under the theme "Invest in African Energies: Affordable and Abundant Energy Additions." S&P Global Energy returns as an Emerald Sponsor in support of investment, dialogue, and informed decision-making across Africa's energy sector.
"S&P Global Energy continues to bring valuable market intelligence and industry expertise to African Energy Week," said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. "The addition of Renegade Intel highlights the growing relationship between energy and digital infrastructure, and S&P Global Energy's breadth of expertise will help drive meaningful discussions on the opportunities shaping Africa's future."
S&P Global is the leading independent provider of information, analytics, and benchmark prices for the energy and commodities markets. For more information about S&P Global Energy, visit www.spglobal.com/energy.
For more information about AEW 2026, visit www.aecweek.com.