Department of Electricity and Energy to lead 2026 Africa Energy Indaba
Minister Ramokgopa and Deputy Minister Maré headline South Africa’s official government host role in Cape Town
The Department of Electricity and Energy will take centre stage as the official government host at the 18th annual Africa Energy Indaba, taking place from 3–5 March 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
The Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, together with Deputy Minister Graham Maré, will participate in a high-level programme designed to drive energy security, regional integration and infrastructure investment across the continent.
The Indaba brings together African energy leaders, policymakers, investors and development partners to advance energy security, regional integration and investment across the continent. South Africa’s participation signals a firm commitment to shaping Africa’s energy transition and strengthening cross-border collaboration.
Minister Ramokgopa’s Programme Highlights
Tuesday, 3 March 2026
The Minister will begin the Indaba with a 09:15 Opening Address, setting the tone for discussions on Africa’s power future.
At 09:40 – 09:50, he will preside over the Official Opening of the Exhibition and Meet-and-Greet with Exhibitors, engaging directly with innovators and industry stakeholders showcasing cutting-edge energy technologies.
At 12:30, the Minister will participate in the Ministerial Roundtable on the Africa Ten-Year Infrastructure Investment Plan for Cross-Border Interconnectivity (TYIIP).
The Ministerial Roundtable will focus on accelerating priority transmission and power infrastructure projects across the continent, strengthening project preparation, improving coordination, and mobilising public and private investment.
This roundtable is expected to play a crucial role in advancing transmission corridors and cross-border interconnectors, essential for unlocking regional power trade and grid stability.
Wednesday, 4 March 2026
At 09:00, the Minister will attend the Official Opening Ceremony, which includes welcome remarks and the introduction of the President of the Republic of South Africa, followed by a Keynote Address by Cyril Ramaphosa.
In the afternoon, from 14:00 – 16:00, the Department will host the South African Investment Forum, profiling investment opportunities in South Africa’s energy sector. The forum aims to attract both local and international capital into generation, transmission and clean energy infrastructure projects.
Thursday, 5 March 2026
The final day of the Indaba places a strong emphasis on nuclear and global partnerships.
At 09:00, Minister Ramokgopa will deliver a Keynote Address at the Nuclear Forum, followed by the Signing of the Declaration to Triple Global Nuclear Capacity by 2050 with the World Nuclear Association.
This move aligns South Africa with global efforts to expand low-carbon baseload power capacity and support long-term energy security.
At 10:30, the Minister will deliver Opening Remarks at Mission 300 Day, a collaborative session involving the World Bank, African Development Bank, GEAPP, SE4ALL and the Rockefeller Foundation, where countries will sign compact agreements to accelerate energy access and reform initiatives.
Deputy Minister Graham Maré’s Programme Highlights
Tuesday, 3 March 2026
From 10:00 – 10:30, Deputy Minister Maré will deliver a presentation at the Clean Cooking Deep Dive Session.
The Deputy Minister’s presentation will highlight South Africa’s efforts to expand access to clean cooking solutions, reduce energy poverty, and improve health and environmental outcomes, particularly for vulnerable communities.
Clean cooking remains a critical pillar of energy access, particularly in underserved regions where traditional fuels continue to impact public health and environmental sustainability.
Wednesday, 4 March 2026
At 07:00, Deputy Minister Maré will deliver a Keynote Address at the Women in Energy Forum under the theme:
“Powering Africa’s Transition: A conversation with and by Women in Energy Decision-Making Level.”
This engagement underscores the importance of inclusive leadership and gender representation in shaping Africa’s energy transition.
Strengthening Africa’s Energy Future
The Department’s participation at the 2026 Africa Energy Indaba underscores South Africa’s commitment to regional energy integration, infrastructure development, clean energy transitions and sustainable investment across the continent.
From cross-border transmission planning and nuclear cooperation to clean cooking solutions and investment mobilisation, South Africa is positioning itself as both a regional leader and a collaborative partner in Africa’s energy transformation.
