The upcoming African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy 2024 conference will focus on critical industry issues and investment opportunities in Africa’s energy sector, including discussion on key energy projects and Africa’s burgeoning green hydrogen industry.

The conference will be held from November 4 to 8 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

The Town Hall central stage will unite government, the private sector and civil society to address key challenges and opportunities, such as revamping African refining capacity, says energy advocacy group Africa Energy Chamber (AEC).

“The Town Hall at AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024 serves as a crucial stage within the broader event, spotlighting key topics such as expanding Africa’s downstream capacity, defining its priorities in the just energy transition ahead of COP29 and engaging Africa’s youth in the energy sector,” states AEC executive chairperson NJ Ayuk.

Hydrogen Focus
Hydrogen will be a focal point, with the AEC stating that Africa’s burgeoning green hydrogen industry is pivotal in advancing the continent’s inclusive energy transition agenda,

“By accelerating renewable energy infrastructure development, attracting new investments, creating jobs, and fostering workforce development, Africa is maximising its green hydrogen potential,” says the chamber.

The conference’s Just Energy Transition Summit will spotlight projects and investment opportunities in Africa’s leading green hydrogen markets, such as Mauritania, Egypt, South Africa, and Morocco, illustrating their significant role in driving the energy transition continent-wide.

It will showcase a range of Southern Africa's initiatives, such as Namibia’s $10-billion Tsau/Khaeb green hydrogen project. The project has secured funding from global investors including the German government, Japanese investors and regional financial institutions.

“The Town Hall will also organise a Saudi-Africa Partnership Roundtable to enhance energy collaboration between Saudi Arabia and African nations, focusing on investment, technology and knowledge partnerships,” the chamber says.

Oil and Gas
Meanwhile intergovernmental organisation Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries’ (Opec’s) Opec-Africa Roundtable will explore collaboration between Opec and African oil producers, focusing on production strategies, market stability, sustainability and investment in upstream projects.

The Town Hall will also feature a series of spotlight sessions on dynamic African energy markets.

In particular, the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim liquefied natural gas (LNG) project is set to produce 2.5-million tons of LNG a year in its first phase and is complemented by Mauritania’s BirAllah gas project and Senegal’s Yakaar-Teranga gas development.

Equatorial Guinea is also spearheading gas monetisation through its flagship Gas Mega Hub initiative, while Algeria and Libya are scaling up gas production and export infrastructure in North Africa.

Workforce Development
The Town Hall stage will also feature discussions on local-content development, job creation and the role of youth and women in the energy sector.

Discussions on local content will underscore the importance of developing diversified local industries and creating jobs from Africa’s extractive sectors. A dedicated session will bring together African and global energy industry leaders to discuss strategies, incentives and regulatory frameworks to bolster the competitiveness of the African workforce as well as enforce existing local content policies.

The Youth Energy Roundtable, meanwhile, will focus on engaging Africa’s youth in the energy sector and discuss future opportunities for education, training and employment.

Finally, a session to highlight the transformative impact of women in energy and showcasing African female leaders who are driving innovative projects and energy transformation across the continent, will also take place.