African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 is set to take center stage from October 12 to 16, convening ministers from Algeria, Ghana, Senegal, Zambia, and Niger to discuss critical issues surrounding oil and gas expansion, reforms, and investment opportunities across the continent. This high-level ministerial gathering will unite influential leaders at a pivotal moment for Africa’s oil, gas, and power sectors.
As the continent navigates the intersection of hydrocarbon expansion and accelerating energy transition strategies, AEW 2026 aims to accentuate real-time project execution, regulatory reforms, and cross-border infrastructure that are actively reshaping Africa’s energy future.
Confirmed attendees include Mourad Adjal, Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies from Algeria; Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, Minister for Energy and Green Transition from Ghana; Birame Soulèye Diop, Minister of Energy, Petroleum and Mines from Senegal; Makozo Chikote, Minister of Energy from Zambia; and Hamadou Tinni, Minister of Petroleum from Niger.
Algeria enters AEW 2026 on the heels of a March OPEC+ decision to lift oil output to 977,000 barrels per day, backed by a $60 billion sector transformation. The North African nation is advancing a 500-well exploration initiative and rapidly rolling out its 1.48 GW “Project of the Century” solar program. Additionally, gas exports to Europe remain a priority, supported by hydrogen corridor planning and refinery expansions aimed at increasing capacity to 50 million tons by 2029.
Ghana is pushing a $3.5 billion upstream reinvestment plan following the license extensions for the Jubilee and TEN fields to 2040, along with a restart of the Tema Oil Refinery in late 2025. The nation is focusing on a gas-to-power transition with the establishment of a 1,200 MW state thermal plant and expanding gas processing at the Atuabo facility, while also addressing $500 million in gas arrears.
Senegal’s delegation arrives buoyed by the successful production momentum of the Sangomar oil field, which produced 36.1 million barrels in 2025, surpassing forecasts. The Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG project has ramped up to 2.9 million tons per annum following its first gas flow. Senegal is prioritizing domestic gas, expanding refinery capacity, and preparing for the second phase of the Sangomar project, which aims to increase output beyond 100,000 bpd.
Zambia is actively redefining its power mix after facing hydro shortfalls due to drought, introducing new solar capacity, including a 200 MW expansion in Chisamba and a 136 MW project in Itimpi Phase 2. The Cabinet’s approval of major regional fuel pipelines, coupled with an expedited Energy Single Licensing System, aims to achieve a 10 GW generation target by 2030, with solar and wind contributing one-third of the total supply.
Niger’s emergence as a serious oil exporter is highlighted by the operational 1,950-km Niger-Benin pipeline, capable of transporting 90,000 bpd to international markets. In addition to advancing uranium expansion and cooperating with Algeria on upstream assets, Niger is implementing digital oversight reforms and enhancing its energy sovereignty amid changing geopolitical dynamics.
“The participation of these distinguished ministers underscores the scale of opportunity unfolding across Africa’s energy landscape and the urgency of aligning policy with capital,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. “Their leadership reflects a continent moving decisively from strategy to execution, creating a platform where investors can engage directly with the policymakers shaping Africa’s next wave of oil, gas, and energy growth.”
At AEW 2026, this ministerial cohort will provide crucial insights to investors about Africa’s most dynamic energy markets, where emerging opportunities are reshaping regional growth trajectories in real time.
