Africa’s trillion-dollar energy opportunity
Unlocking investment potential in Africa’s rapidly growing renewable and energy markets
Africa is emerging as the epicentre of one of the 21st century’s most significant energy investment opportunities. As global investors seek scalable renewable projects and high-growth energy markets, attention is turning to a continent abundant in natural resources, ongoing reform initiatives, and enormous unmet energy demand.
“Why Africa? Why Now? The Trillion-Dollar Energy Opportunity in Focus at the Africa Energy Indaba” is more than a question; it is a call to action. According to the World Economic Forum, achieving a sustainable energy future in Africa will require an estimated US $2.9 trillion in investment between 2022 and 2050, with annual energy investment needs rising from US $70 billion in 2022 to US $160 billion by 2050. This scale of opportunity is unmatched in any other emerging market.
Renewable energy growth is already accelerating across the continent. Installed renewable capacity in Africa increased from approximately 60 GW in 2023 to nearly 67 GW in 2024, with solar and wind expected to expand dramatically by 2050. Despite Africa’s extraordinary renewable potential, 10 TW of solar, 350 GW of hydro, 110 GW of wind, and 15 GW of geothermal, the continent has attracted less than 2% of global renewable investment over the past two decades.
Market activity reflects shifting dynamics. Solar panel imports surged by 60% year-on-year, reaching 15 GW in the 12 months ending June 2025. This demonstrates rapid market activation even in regions historically underserved by grid infrastructure.
At the same time, over 600 million Africans still lack access to electricity, and reaching universal access will require an estimated US $64 billion annually. Encouragingly, climate-related finance in Africa has risen to over US $50 billion, a 48% increase in mobilized funds, signalling growing global confidence in African energy markets.
It is within this transformative context that the Africa Energy Indaba, held annually in Cape Town, has become the continent’s premier energy platform. The Indaba brings together senior government leaders, regulators, utilities, project developers, financiers, DFIs, investors, and technology providers to engage on investment-ready energy projects, supportive policy frameworks, and partnerships that enable large-scale delivery.
Why Attend the Africa Energy Indaba?
Participants gain unparalleled access to:
Bankable energy and infrastructure projects across renewables, transmission, hydrogen, gas, nuclear, and off-grid solutions
Direct engagement with decision-makers shaping energy policy and regulation across African markets
Networking with investors, financiers, developers, EPCs, and technology providers actively seeking projects and partnerships
Insights into practical frameworks that enable project bankability and regional energy integration
Strategic positioning at the heart of Africa’s trillion-dollar energy transformation
As Africa’s energy transition accelerates, the Africa Energy Indaba provides an unrivalled platform for strategic dialogue, investment engagement, and project development that will shape the continent’s sustainable energy future.
