AEC to host G20 African Energy Investment Forum ahead of G20 Summit in Johannesburg

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) will host the G20 African Energy Investment Forum on November 21 in Johannesburg ahead of the G20 Summit in South Africa.

The forum will bring together international and African energy and finance leaders to discuss how investment, innovation and partnerships can unlock Africa’s energy potential and foster sustainable economic growth.

“The programme will feature a series of high-level fireside chats examining the role of international capital, development finance and local expertise in transforming Africa’s energy landscape, in line with G20 priorities on infrastructure, energy security and private-sector mobilisation,” the AEC said in a media statement on November 11.

One of the sessions will explore how growing ties between Africa and the Middle East are reshaping the continent’s energy landscape, with Saudi Arabia pledging $41bn over the next decade to back projects across Sub-Saharan Africa. Saudi-led investment is helping deliver both renewable and conventional energy schemes, bringing scale, expertise and funding to meet rising demand.

Another discussion will focus on improving local market access, as development finance institutions and multilateral bodies consider ways to cut investment barriers and mobilise private capital. According to the AEC, efficient financing is currently key to sustaining Africa’s energy transition and meeting global development goals.

Africa’s gas potential and its role in regional industrialisation and global energy transition will be highlighted at another session. The participants will discuss how Africa can improve its own energy security while advancing economic development by positioning natural gas as both a transitional fuel and strategic energy resource.

A session on de-risking capital and removing investment barriers will discuss how to make energy projects more attractive to investors. It will look at ways of mitigating risks, structuring finance effectively, and preparing projects for funding. The AEC says the goal is to draw both regional and international capital and turn Africa’s energy opportunities into real development results.

“Africa’s energy transformation depends on connecting global investors with African projects, while giving local stakeholders a central role in shaping outcomes,” AEC Executive Chairman NJ Ayuk said.

“These sessions will turn discussions into action, helping unlock the capital and partnerships needed to power growth, create jobs and support sustainable development.”

According to the AEC, the forum will underline the continent’s rising influence in the global energy and investment ecosystem, showing how collaboration and smart financing can drive lasting growth as Africa takes centre stage ahead of the G20 Summit.