Africa’s Energy Ministers Head to London

Energy Ministers from Ghana, Zambia, Benin and Mali are among over 130 speakers confirmed to attend the 18th annual Africa Energy Forum (AEF) in London in June.

Widely considered the meeting place for Africa’s power sector professionals to discuss opportunities for investment into the power sector, AEF has established itself as the international marketplace where African governments and the energy industry unite with a focus to deliver power infrastructure projects across Africa.

Delegates set to attend include honourable John Abdulai Jinapor, Acting Minister of Power (Ghana), H.E. Honourable Spéro Mensah, Minister of Energy, Petroleum and Mining Research, Water and Renewable Energy Development (Bénin), H.E. Honourable Mamadou Frankaly Keita, Minister of Energy and Water (Mali), Nick Hurd, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for International Development (UK), Brigadier General Emeldah Chola, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy and Water Development (Zambia) and Karén Breytenbach, Head of IPP Projects, IPP Office (South Africa).

The agenda includes government keynote addresses, targeted industry seminars and plenary sessions, discussing topics such as how to accelerate renewable energy uptake, increase the bankability of projects, and encourage partnerships between the public and private sector.

New for 2016, North and East Africa regional panel discussions will bring together the regions’ governments to discuss how they can collaborate to support cross-border power developments and energy infrastructure. More specific country-focused sessions will also explore the investment landscapes in countries such as Mozambique, Nigeria and Ghana.

Other highlights include an exhibition of 80 solution providers, and a competition hosted by event sponsors Access Power for local clean power entrepreneurs in Africa, allowing developers to pitch their projects to a panel of specialists for the opportunity to win US$7million in prize funding.

On 23 June, organisers EnergyNet will host a Festival of Energy event to bring together high profile bands in the UK with African musicians from across the continent. The festival will highlight the role of commercial trade in delivering energy access to millions living beyond the grid.

The 18th Annual Africa Energy Forum will take place on 22-24 June at the London InterContinental O2. Visit Africa Energy Forum