Agenda 2026

Africa Energy Forum

Agenda 2026

Please complete the form below to access the session schedule and full speaker list for aef 2026

Day One – Tuesday 16 June 2026

NB: Topics, times and speakers may be subject to change as the agenda develops.

08:00
Registration
08:00 –

Registration & Networking

10:00
Auditorium 2
10:00 – 11:00

Opening Ceremony (Open to all aef attendees)

French – English Translation

Africa Energy Forum: EnergyNet Remarks – ‘Building Africa’s Industrialised Future’

Auditorium 2

High Level Keynote Address

Speakers

H.E. Honourable Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa
Minister of Electricity & Energy, South Africa

Leadership Awards

M300 Update

Speakers

Andrew Herscowitz
CEO, Mission 300 Accelerator, RF Catalytic Capital
11:15
Auditorium 2
11:15 – 12:30

Spotlight on South Africa – Investments, Partnerships and Opportunities (Open to all aef attendees)

French – English Translation

Moderator

Phindile Masangane
Group Executive Programmes, DBSA

Speakers

H.E. Honourable Samantha Graham-Maré
Deputy Minister of Electricity & Energy, South Africa
Dan Marokane
GCE, Eskom, South Africa
Precious Edward
Head, IPP Office, South Africa
Loyiso Tyabashe
GCEO, NECSA (South African Nuclear Energy Corporation), South Africa
Hussein Shoukry
MD, Siemens Energy Middle East & Africa
Amith Singh
Head, Power & Renewables Finance, Nedbank CIB
12:30
Networking Villages
12:30 – 14:30

Networking Lunch (Open to all aef attendees)

Serengeti Restaurant
12:30 – 14:30

Closed Door Ministerial Lunch (By invitation only)

14:30
Room – ZAMBEZI
14:30 – 15:45

Ministerial Town Hall – Regional Production Hubs to Drive Industrialisation (Open to all aef attendees)

An open session for aef attendees to hear the Honourable Vice Presidents and Ministers from across the continent discuss regional production hubs and their value in securing supply chains and driving industrialisation.

Scene Setting Remarks:
H.E. Honourable Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Minister of Electricity & Energy, South Africa

French – English Translation

Moderator

Andrew Herscowitz
CEO, Mission 300 Accelerator, RF Catalytic Capital

Speakers

H.E. Honourable Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa
Minister of Electricity & Energy, South Africa
H.E. Honourable John Abdulai Jinapor
Minister of Energy & Green Transition, Ghana
H.E. Honourable Dr El Hadji Abdourahmane Diouf
Minister of Energy & Petroleum, Senegal
H.E. Honourable Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza
Minister of Energy & Mineral Development, Uganda
H.E.  Honourable Julius Daniel Mattai
Minister of Mines & Mineral Resources, Sierra Leone
H.E. Honourable Cyril Grant
Minister of Energy, Sierra Leone
H.E. Honourable Marc Mandaba
Minister of Economy, Planning & International Development, Central African Republic
H.E. Honourable Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh
Minister of Economy & Finance, Djibouti
H.E. Honourable Radonirina Lucas Rabearimanga
Minister of Energy & Hydrocarbons, Madagascar
H.E. Honourable Mamadú Mudjetaba Djaló
Minister of Economy, Planning, and Regional Integration, Guinea-Bissau
H.E. Honourable Rohey John Manjang
Minister of Environment, Climate Change & Natural Resources, The Gambia
Damilola Ogunbiyi
Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General, CEO for Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) & Co-Chair of UN-Energy
H.E. Honourable Andrea Arik Malueth
Deputy Secretary General, East African Community (EAC)
H.E. Honourable Samantha Graham-Maré
Deputy Minister of Electricity & Energy, South Africa
H.E. Honourable Cheikh Niane
Vice Minister of Energy & Petroleum, Senegal
Honourable Wenzel Kavaka
Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Namibia
Honourable Charles Umehai
Deputy Minister for Energy, Ministry of Mines & Energy, Liberia
H.E. Honourable Tertuis Simmers
Provincial Minister of Infrastructure, Western Cape Government, South Africa
H.E. Honourable Professor Gustavo Dgedge
Secretary of State for Land & Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, Environment & Fisheries, Mozambique
15:45
Exhibition
15:45 – 16:15

Networking Coffee

16:15
Room – VOLTA
16:15 – 17:30

Closed Door Leadership Roundtable (By invitation only)

A high-level invitation only meeting, bringing together the senior African public sector with the private sector leaders attending aef. This is a chance to interactively discuss opportunities supporting ‘Building Africa’s Industrialised Future’.

Day Two – Wednesday 17 June 2026

NB: Topics, times and speakers may be subject to change as the agenda develops.

07:30
Registration
07:30 –

Registration & Networking

07:30
Room – OKAVANGO
07:30 – 08:45

Closed Door DFI & SWF Roundtable (By invitation only)

Reforming Energy Financial Infrastructure for Industrial Growth – What’s Needed to Succeed?

This is an invitation-only roundtable for the confirmed DFI contributors and SWFs only. This is designed to foster a deeper dialogue among participants.

Moderator

Jonathan Berman
MD, Autonomi Capital

Speakers

Yezdan Akcacakir
Director & Head of Power, AFC
Wale Shonibare
Director, Energy Financial Solutions, Policy & Regulations Power, Energy, Climate & Green Growth Complex, AfDB
Holger Rothenbusch
MD & Head of Infrastructure & Climate, BII
Jan Lemaitre
Senior Investment Officer, BIO SA
Gianluca Paesano
Development Finance Senior Specialist, CDP
Gregory Fyfe
Chief Investment Officer, DBSA
Ulrich Schoppmeyer
Department Head, Infrastructure & Energy Debt, Africa & Latin America, DEG
Nancy Rivera
MD, U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC)
Aida Sitdikova
Director for Sustainable Infrastructure Middle East & Africa, EBRD
Andrea Clerici
Director, Corporate Finance & Global Activities, EIB Global
Helena Teppana
Associate Director, Finnfund
Marnix Monsfort
Director Energy, FMO
Christo Fourie
Head, Energy, IDC
Soumya Banerjee
Manager Infrastructure & Natural Resources, East Africa, IFC
Thomas Hougaard
MD & Co-Head of Green Energy & Infrastructure, Impact Fund Denmark
Birgit Edlefsen
Senior Vice President, Norfund
Pierre-Alain Pacaud
Head of Energy & Digital, Africa & Middle East, Proparco
Jonas Kolijn
Senior Investment Manager, Energy & Climate, Swedfund
Eyob Easwaran
Senior Advisor, Lending Operations, TDB
Martha Kalema
Team Lead, Petroleum Revenue Investment Reserve (PRIR), Bank of Uganda, Uganda
Dharmesh Kalyan
Head, Energy & Infrastructure Investments, Royal Bafokeng Holdings
Martin Nagell
Director, Responsible Investing, Group Strategy & Risk, Mubadala
09:00
Room – VOLTA
09:00 – 10:15

Africa for Africa

What Does a “Just” Energy Transition Mean for Africa?

With funders becoming more open to returning to gas projects, we consider how different paths are needed for different economies.

  • How pragmatic do we need to be about using gas for development?
  • Do African countries need an energy mix that priorities national industrialisation over external climate conditionalities?
  • Is a short term “carbon overdraft” necessary to accelerate towards RE implementation?

Moderator

Sara Elhag
Head of the Energy Division, African Union

Speakers

H.E. Honourable John Abdulai Jinapor
Minister of Energy & Green Transition, Ghana
Thabo Kekana
Acting Director General, Department of Electricity & Energy, South Africa
Hicham El Maanouni
Director, Business Development, Acwa
Sofia Bensaid
Director, Head of Infrastructure & Project Finance Ratings, Middle East & Africa, S&P Global Ratings
Louis Strydom
Director, Growth & Development, Wärtsilä
Room – LIMPOPO
09:00 – 10:15

Transmission and Baseload

Large Scale Transmission and Distribution Projects

Focus on private T&D development has increased hugely – we look at the new shift.

  • Which factors could destabilise the push for private investment into T&D?
  • What is the impact on the public sector of open access T&D?
  • How are the M300 compacts encouraging investment into T&D and what progress has been made to date?
  • Does the emergence of private sector electricity traders increase the opportunity/urgency for more T&D investment?

Moderator

Mathapelo Malao
Investment Director, Impact Fund Denmark

Speakers

H.E. Honourable Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza
Minister of Energy & Mineral Development, Uganda
Jaco de la Rouviere
Ministerial Advisor, Department of Electricity & Energy, South Africa
Christine Nganga
Director, Public Private Partnership Directorate, The National Treasury & Economic Planning, Kenya
Chris Flavin
CEO, Gridworks
Nabil Saïmi
Senior Director, Africa50 Group
Gilbert El-Hajje
Head of Market & Strategy for the Middle East & Africa, Siemens Energy
Room – ZAMBEZI
09:00 – 10:15

Decentralised Energy and Access

What Role Does DRE Play in Achieving Africa’s Energy Access Objectives?

We examine the critical impact that DRE can have on bringing affordable, reliable electricity to Sub-Saharan Africa.

  • How are M300 compacts encouraging investment into DRE and driving sustained growth into off-grid?
  • Are RBF mechanisms and demand stimulation initiatives making investment into innovative off-grid solutions more sustainable?
  • Where is DRE powering productive use and making rural electrification bankable?

Report Launch:

Edward Borgstein, Technical Advisor, Africa, The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet

Moderator

Sarah Malm
Executive Director, GOGLA

Speakers

H.E. Honourable Cyril Grant
Minister of Energy, Sierra Leone
H.E. Honourable Lejone Mpotjoane
Minister of Energy & Mines, Lesotho
Damien Twambilangana
Deputy General Manager, Agence Nationalede l’électrification et des Services Énergétiques en milieux Rural etpériurbain (ANSER), Democratic Republic of the Congo
Yariv Cohen
CEO, Ignite Energy Access
Andrew Herscowitz
CEO, Mission 300 Accelerator, RF Catalytic Capital
Radhika Thakkar
Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Sun King
Room – CONGO
09:00 – 10:15

Critical Minerals as a Catalyst for Industrialisation

Rising Global Demand for Critical Minerals: Africa’s Opportunity

With around 30% of global mineral reserves, Africa has a key opportunity to leverage this demand to promote wider industrial growth.

  • What’s the real demand outlook and who’s driving it?
  • From the Lobito Corridor to the BRI: which partnerships are emerging to get projects underway?
  • Is Africa ready to maximise this opportunity for broader industrial expansion?
  • How can African nations successfully enforce local processing hubs?

Scene Setting Remarks:

Rita Madeira, Africa Programme Manager, International Energy Agency (IEA)

Moderator

Gracelin Baskaran
Director, Critical Minerals Security Program, Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)

Speakers

H.E.  Honourable Julius Daniel Mattai
Minister of Mines & Mineral Resources, Sierra Leone
Jacob Mbele
Director General, Department of Mineral & Petroleum Resources, South Africa
Tunde Arisekola
Senior Advisor, Geological & Minerals Information & Officer In-Charge of African Minerals Development Centre (AMDC)
Hannah Williams
Director of Trade & Investment, Africa, UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT)
Mpho Mokwele
Group Executive: Coverage & Origination, DBSA
Mandisa Mabaso
Head of Government Relations, Southern Africa, Rio Tinto
Room – NILE
09:00 – 10:15

Hosted Boardroom

Closing the Risk Gap: Pragmatic Financial Solutions for Bankable IPPs

  • Where do IPP transactions fail and why?
  • Can currency risk be structurally removed, rather than expensively priced?
  • In markets where sovereign guarantees are not available, what tools can successfully
    enable the development of energy projects?
  • What conditions would unlock institutional investment in African power markets?

Moderator

Francis Dennig
Team Lead, Energy for Growth in Africa, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Speakers

Mario Gouvea
Lead, EcoInvest Brasil Platform, Ministry of Finance, Brazil
Fenwicks Musonye
Deputy Director, Energy Efficiency, Energy & Petroleum Regulatory Authority (PURA), Kenya
Mafayo Ziba
Director, Ministry of Energy, Zambia
Ana Hajduka
Founder & CEO, Africa GreenCo
Obbie Banda
Senior Underwriter & RLSF Coordinator, ATIDI
Susana Lopez Lopez
MD, Financial Instruments, RELP
Demba Tandia
VP Structuring & Sales, SSA, TCX
09:00
Room – OKAVANGO
09:00 – 10:15

Closed Door South Africa Industrialisation Roundtable (By invitation only)

This invitation-only roundtable will bring together Ministers of Finance, Energy, and Mining, senior public sector leaders, and a select group of industry and mining executives.

Country Host:
H.E. Honourable Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Minister of Electricity & Energy, South Africa

Scene Setting Remarks:

Claudio Fassiotti, Sales Manager Local Gov & Smart Spaces EMEA, NVIDIA

French – English Translation

Moderator

Sonume Dan-Princewill
Portfolio Manager, Infrastructure, AFC

Speakers

H.E. Honourable Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa
Minister of Electricity & Energy, South Africa
H.E. Honourable Lejone Mpotjoane
Minister of Energy & Mines, Lesotho
H.E. Honourable Samantha Graham-Maré
Deputy Minister of Electricity & Energy, South Africa
Honourable Wenzel Kauaka
Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Namibia
H.E. Honourable Professor Gustavo Dgedge
Secretary of State for Land & Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, Environment & Fisheries, Mozambique
Alistair Ruiters
Special Advisor: Investment Promotion, The Presidency, South Africa
Thabo Kekana
Acting Director General, Department of Electricity & Energy, South Africa
Elizabeth Marabwa
Chief Director, Department of Electricity & Energy, South Africa
Ephraim Munshifwa
PS, Energy, Ministry of Energy, Zambia
Lungelo Nkwanyane
Acting Director, Energy & Telecoms, National Treasury, South Africa
Dan Marokane
GCE, Eskom, South Africa
Dharmesh Kalyan
Head, Energy & Infrastructure Investments, Royal Bafokeng Holdings
Casbah Zwane
Divisional CEO, ACTOM
Wayne Malgas
Managing Partner, Southern Africa, Control Risks
Gregory Fyfe
Chief Investment Officer, DBSA
Esha Mansingh
Head, Corporate Affairs & Sustainability, Africa, DP World
Tristan de Drouas
CEO South Africa, EDF power solutions
Jonathan Hoffman
CEO, Globeleq
Mohamed Hosseiny
MD Africa, Hitachi Energy
Ahmed Mulla
Deputy CEO, Infinity Power
Lebo Leshabane
CEO, iX engineers
Jan Fourie
CEO, Mulilo
Daniel Mminele
Chairperson, Nedbank Group
Claudio Fassiotti
Sales Manager Local Gov & Smart Spaces EMEA, NVIDIA
Bradley Reddy
General Manager, Growth Strategy, Richards Bay Minerals
Simon Baloyi
President & CEO, Sasol
Alberto Gambacorta
EVP, Sub Saharan Africa, Scatec
Rentia van Tonder
Head, Power, Standard Bank
Cosmas Chiteme
Group Energy Manager, Tharisa
Magali Pailhé
MD E&P & Renewables South Africa, TotalEnergies
Norman Macleod
VP Supply & Risk, Vivo Energy
10:15
Exhibition
10:15 – 10:45

Networking Coffee

10:45
Room – VOLTA
10:45 – 12:00

Africa for Africa

South Africa – Grid Resilience and Expansion

NTCSA’s TDP plans to build 14,500 km of new transmission infrastructure in the next 10 years.

  • What opportunities do these projects present to the private sector and to regional private T&D capacity and expertise?
  • How are regulatory reforms and financial instruments (e.g. CGV) enabling this trailblazing project?
  • How long will it take for Phase 1 projects to deliver, and when/where will we see local participation?

Moderator

Avra Moodley
General Counsel, Mulilo

Speakers

Silas Zimu
Ministerial Advisor, Department of Electricity & Energy, South Africa
Lungelo Nkwanyane
Acting Director, Energy & Telecoms, National Treasury, South Africa
EnergyNet image placeholder
Monde Bala
Group Executive, Distribution, Eskom, South Africa
Mpho Mokwele
Group Executive: Coverage & Origination, DBSA
Peter Venn
CEO, Seriti Green
Dershin Govender
Energy OE & PMC Lead Africa, Arup
Asanda Tshambula
Business Development Manager, Infrastructure SBU, IDC
Room – LIMPOPO
10:45 – 12:00

Transmission and Baseload

Solar – Africa’s Shining Star

Solar projects on the continent have reached a critical turning point, offering cost-effective and reliable solutions for both utility-scale and C&I markets.

  • Are the falling costs of solar fuelling more projects?
  • With progress made in combining BESS with solar, will we create a 24/7 energy source?
  • What opportunities does C&I solar offer and how bankable are they?

Moderator

Zandi Nkone
CEO, Kathu Solar Park

Speakers

Rivoningo Mnisi
Group Executive, Eskom Green, South Africa
William Amuna
Chairman, Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Ghana
Anas Charafi
Executive Director, Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa Project Development (AGIA-PD)
Assanatou Cissé
Founder & CEO, Kiye Energie
Nandu Bhula
Country General Manager South Africa, Acwa
Room – ZAMBEZI
10:45 – 12:00

Decentralised Energy and Access

Prospects for Data Centres in Africa’s Energy Ecosystem

How data centres are changing Africa’s energy investment landscape.

  • Is this growing demand attracting new investments into the sector?
  • Will data centres put too much pressure on the continent’s grids so they will have to stay off-grid?
  • What opportunities are emerging for solution providers?
  • How can we avoid diverting focus and resources away from other electrification efforts?

 

Moderator

Heath Andersen
Data Centre Consultant, DCDesign.Africa

Speakers

Honourable Wenzel Kauaka
Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Namibia
Agnes Mlambo
Group Executive, Distribution, Eskom, South Africa
Casbah Zwane
Divisional CEO, ACTOM
Edwin Thompson
Chief Technology Officer, PAIX Data Centres
Bryce Allan
Head of Sustainability, Teraco
Norbert Rumble
Regional Sales Manager (Power Plants Sub-Saharan Africa), Everllence
Thulani Ncube
Managing Partner, Lanikonke
Room – CONGO
10:45 – 12:00

Critical Minerals as a Catalyst for Industrialisation

Building Large-Scale Pit-to-Port Infrastructure

Unlocking Africa’s mineral wealth requires significant investment in large-scale infrastructure to move resources efficiently, connect markets, generate power and attract investments.

  • Simandou to Liberty: what are the replicable models?
  • What do timelines look like? What is required to meet them in this global race?
  • Can infrastructure corridors deliver shared power, water, and logistics infrastructure beyond mining projects?
  • What are the next major projects? How do we revive the ones stuck on the drawing board?

Moderator

Nancy Rivera
MD, U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC)

Speakers

H.E. Honourable Charles Umehai
Deputy Minister of Mines & Energy, Liberia
Veronika Milewski
CEO, RTEi
William Sears
Chief Commercial Officer, Logistics, Africa, DP World
Andrea Clerici
Director, Corporate Finance & Global Activities, EIB Global
Deerosh Maharaj
Executive Head: Energy,Infrastructure & Mining, Standard Bank
Room – NILE
10:45 – 12:00

Hosted Boardroom

Financing Africa’s Gas Infrastructure Deficit

  • Identifying key infrastructure investments required to unlock stranded gas and enable reliable power supply.
  • Structuring bankable gas-to-power projects through blended finance, DFIs, and private capital.
  • Exploring practical tools to mitigate risk to unlock long-term capital deployment.
  • Aligning public–private collaboration to accelerate scalable, sustainable delivery.

Moderator

Erik Granskog
CEO, Endeavor Energy

Speakers

H.E. Honourable Biodun Ogunleye
Commissioner, Lagos State Ministry of Energy & Mineral Resources, Nigeria
Benjamin Mugisha
Chief Underwriting Officer, ATIDI
Gregory Fyfe
Chief Investment Officer, DBSA
Melissa Sikwila
Executive Vice President, Project Development &Investment, Genesis Energy
Samir Salè
Country MD, Mozambique, Globeleq
Nthato Minyuku
Head African Government Affairs, Market Development & Growth, Siemens Energy
10:45
Room – OKAVANGO
10:45 – 12:00

Hosted Boardroom

Clean Cooking: Driving Awareness and Implementation at ScaleBuilding on South Africa’s historic 2025 G20 Clean Cooking Outcome, this roundtable brings together experts to discuss the associated health and environmental benefits, while identifying actionable strategies for implementing clean cooking at scale.

Moderator

Thebe Mamakoko
Director, Department of Electricity & Energy, South Africa

Speakers

H.E. Honourable Samantha Graham-Maré
Deputy Minister of Electricity & Energy, South Africa
Sibusiso Nxumalo
Senior Just Transition Specialist, Department of Forestry, Fisheries & the Environment, South Africa
Rita Madeira
Africa Programme Manager West & Southern Africa, International Energy Agency (IEA)
Lewnis Boudaoui
Public Sector Operations Officer, The OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID)
Heather Adair-Rohani
Technical Lead Air Quality, Energy and Health, World Health Organisation
12:00
Networking Villages
12:00 – 13:30

Networking Lunch

13:30
Room – VOLTA
13:30 – 14:45

Africa for Africa

Innovation South Africa

A series of presentations highlighting different innovative technologies which will help to build South Africa’s
industrialised future, or are South African owned and grown technologies.

Scene Setting Remarks:

Loyiso Tyira, Board Chair, Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), South Africa

Closing Remarks:

Rivoningo Mnisi, Group Executive, Eskom Green, South Africa

Moderator

Titus Mathe
CEO, Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), South Africa

Speakers

Claudio Fassiotti
Sales Manager Local Gov & Smart Spaces EMEA, NVIDIA
Judith Setlhabi
MD, GE Vernova South Africa
Chenéz Henderson
CEO, Henko Group & Founder, Kilovox
Will Gruver
Founder & Group Chairman, USP&E
Room – LIMPOPO
13:30 – 14:45

Transmission and Baseload

BESS: Enhancing Grid Stability and Decreasing Costs

With costs significantly reducing, how are solar, wind, gas and even hydro projects adopting BESS to increase bankability and reliability?

  • Does inclusion of BESS impact investor appetite in RE projects?
  • Where will we be seeing increased stability due to the use of BESS in 2026/7?
  • Hybrid energy systems and balancing different energy solutions onto the grid – the new norm?
  • What is the future for battery storage in Africa?

Moderator

Rotimi Odubogun
Associate Vice President, AFC

Speakers

H.E. Honourable Cheikh Niane
Vice Minister of Energy & Petroleum, Senegal
Precious Edward
Head, IPP Office, South Africa
Stephen Ye
Global Investment Director, RelyEZ
Jan Fourie
CEO, Mulilo
Pierre-André Nutte
ESS Sales Director, MEA-India, Saft TotalEnergies
Room – ZAMBEZI
13:30 – 14:45

Decentralised Energy and Access

How M300 Compacts Are Channelling FDI into Energy Access and Clean Cooking

We consider how stakeholders can utilise countries’ compacts to accelerate energy access projects.

  • Do the compacts provide an investment framework for DFIs and other investors to get behind (e.g. T&D)?
  • How are compacts increasing private sector mobilisation to accelerate the rate of energy access projects?
  • How will delivering the compacts mobilise more investment into clean cooking?

Moderator

Holger Rothenbusch
MD & Head of Infrastructure & Climate, BII

Speakers

H.E. Honourable Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa
Minister of Electricity & Energy, South Africa
H.E. Honourable Radonirina Lucas Rabearimanga
Minister of Energy & Hydrocarbons, Madagascar
Abba Aliyu
MD & CEO, Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Nigeria
Sarah McNeilly
MD, Allied Talent Partners
Daniel Schroth
Director of Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency, AfDB
Amana Bawa
Director, Partnerships and Private Sector Engagement, Mission 300 Accelerator, RF Catalytic Capital
Room – CONGO
13:30 – 14:45

Critical Minerals as a Catalyst for Industrialisation

Financing Infrastructure Projects Behind Critical Minerals

inancing large-scale infrastructure for critical minerals requires projects to move quickly from concept to bankability, while managing risk across complex delivery timelines.

  • What’s the new blueprint for funding $10bn corridors?
  • How can projects reach financial close within timelines that preserve bankability?
  • Where do deals typically break down, and how do we fix it?
  • How do we mitigate sovereign risk for private investors?
  • DFIs, blended finance, Political Risk Insurance: are they the solution?

Moderator

Harry Doyne-Ditmas
MD, Specialty Growth Leader, Marsh

Speakers

H.E. Honourable Marc Mandaba
Minister of Economy, Planning & International Development, Central African Republic
Alistair Ruiters
Special Advisor: Investment Promotion, The Presidency, South Africa
W. Gyude Moore
Former Liberia Infrastructure Minister & Distinguished Fellow, The Energy for Growth Hub
Ziyanda Mpakama
Associate Vice President, AFC Capital Partners
Johan Koorts
Director, Resources & Project Finance, Absa CIB
Benjamin Mugisha
Chief Underwriting Officer, ATIDI
Room – NILE
13:30 – 14:45

Hosted Boardroom

Unlocking Africa’s Grid Investment: The Independent Transmission Opportunity

Transmission bottlenecks are constraining generation uptake and cross-border power trade, making innovative private-sector models increasingly essential.

  • Global overview of the IPT model e.g. Asia and Latin America.
  • Lessons from Kenya’s landmark IPT PPP.
  • How can IPT unlock private capital for transmission without increasing sovereign debt?
  • Which markets and policy reforms are needed to replicate the model in Africa?
  • How can African governments, DFIs and investors collaborate to scale transmission investment?

Scene setting presentation: 

Moshood Abolade, Investment Director, Africa50 Group

Moderator

Nana Boakye-Yiadom
Communications Manager, Africa50

Speakers

Kefa Seda
DG, Public Private Partnership Directorate, The National Treasury & Economic Planning, Kenya
Ziria Tibalwa Waako
CEO, Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA), Uganda
Nabil Saïmi
Senior Director, Africa50 Group
Robert Voskuilen
Manager, Eastern & Southern Africa Energy, FMO
13:30
Room – OKAVANGO
13:30 – 14:45

Hosted Boardroom

SAREM Now: Procurement Reform, Trade Policy Review and New Approaches to Bid Windows
This roundtable session will look at how reforms in public procurement legislation, trade policy, and bid window design are reshaping the enabling environment for SAREM.

Scene Setting Presentation:
Noma Qase, Programme Director, Sarem, Department of Electricity & Energy, South Africa

Moderator

Irshaad Kathrada
CEO, Localisation Support Fund (LSF)

Speakers

Niveshen Govender
Senior Specialist for Strategy & Communications, IPP Office, South Africa
Rethabile Melamu
CEO, South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA), South Africa
Titania Stefanus-Zincke
Acting CEO, South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA), South Africa
Kugan Thaver
Head: Machinery, Equipment & Electronics, Industrial Development Corporation (IDC)
14:45
Exhibition
14:45 – 15:15

Networking Coffee

15:15
Room – VOLTA
15:15 – 16:30

Africa for Africa

SWFs and Pension Funds Potential to Close Africa’s Energy Gap

The value of the current strategic shift by local capital towards RE, early-stage capital and infrastructure debt funds.

  • With partnerships like Ithmar Capital and NSIA creating new investment platforms, can sufficient capital be mobilised to address Africa’s infrastructure and energy deficits?
  • How are tools like local currency financing and CGVs making projects more attractive to traditionally conservative pension funds?
  • What role can SWFs and Pension Funds play in reducing reliance on external financing while boosting global investor sentiment?

Moderator

Lisa Pinsley
Fund Head, African Transition Acceleration Fund, African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM)

Speakers

Zama Khanyile
Acting Head, Unlisted Investments, Public Investment Corporation (PIC)
Phathutshedzo Mabogo
Deputy CIO, Eskom Provident and Pension Fund (EPPF)
Pranav Khamar
Portfolio Manager, Gemcorp
Amos Gachuiri
Investment Principal, Financial Infrastructure, FSD Africa
Martin Nagell
Director, Responsible Investing, Group Strategy & Risk, Mubadala
Room – LIMPOPO
15:15 – 16:30

Transmission and Baseload

How Wind Energy is Powering the Energy Transition

Wind offers a huge opportunity for Africa to achieve energy access targets.

  • Why has installed capacity grown significantly on the continent?
  • How should the continent exploit Africa’s vast untapped wind resources?
  • How will T&D investment and BESS affordability impact wind power projects?
  • Is offshore now a viable option to power Africa’s increasing need for export port facilities?

Moderator

Alice Wathika
CFO, Lake Turkana Wind Power

Speakers

Prathaban Moodley
Acting CEO, South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI), South Africa
Khanyiso Zihlangu
Project Officer, IPP Office, South Africa
James Cumming
CEO, Anthem
Ashish Ranjan
Chief Technical Officer, Infinity Power
Antoine Monterrat
Senior Business Developer Africa, Renewables, TotalEnergies
Emeka Okpukpara
Partner, Nextier
Room – ZAMBEZI
15:15 – 16:30

Decentralised Energy and Access

The Captive and Embedded Power Trilemma: Reliability, Cost, and Bankability

Massive offtakers (mining operations, desalination projects, data centres) require 24/7 “five-nines” reliability.

  • With renewable captive solutions (solar, wind and hydro) becoming cheaper, when are offtakers still relying on gas or diesel for baseload stability?
  • How deregulated markets have resulted in increased investment.
  • Where are the opportunities for developers and what makes projects bankable?
  • Laying foundations for future offtakers, including the growing
    role of de-salination plants across the continent.

Moderator

Ritesh Kumar Singh
Senior Director, Tetra Tech

Speakers

H.E. Honourable Biodun Ogunleye
Commissioner, Lagos State Ministry of Energy & Mineral Resources, Nigeria
Adwoa Serwaa Bondzie
Executive Secretary, Energy Commission, Ghana
Habeeb Alebiosu
CEO, Decentralised Energy Limited (DEL)
Pauline Tilemann
Senior Investment Manager, Infrastructure & Energy Debt, Africa & Latin America, DEG
Vincenzia Leitich
Executive Vice President, Power & Renewables, Standard Bank
Room – CONGO
15:15 – 16:30

Critical Minerals as a Catalyst for Industrialisation

Powering Africa’s Mineral Gateways: Rail, Ports, and Digital Corridors

This session examines the integrated solutions required to transform Africa’s ports and rail from mineral corridors into resilient trade gateways.

  • How can public–private partnerships accelerate rail and logistics modernisation while creating bankable investments?
  • How do we develop corridors that attract capital and strengthen regional supply chains?
  • Can AI and smart systems optimize rail, port, and logistics coordination across the supply chain?
  • How can a corridor’s energy system also power surrounding communities and industry?

Scene Setting Remarks:

Ambassador John Giordano, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Namibia

Moderator

Deji Adegoke
Partner & Head of Africa Practice, White & Case LLP

Speakers

H.E. Honourable Cheikh Niane
Vice Minister of Energy & Petroleum, Senegal
Honourable Charles Umehai
Deputy Minister for Energy, Ministry of Mines & Energy, Liberia
Mohammed Mahomedy
Head, Rail & Infrastructure, Africa, DP World
Phindile Masangane
Group Executive Programmes, DBSA
Richard Charlton
Director, Head of Infrastructure Equity for Africa & Pakistan, BII
Room – NILE
15:15 – 16:30

Hosted Boardroom

Making Projects Bankable and Unlocking Transmission at Scale – A Risk Advisors View…

  • Context on energy infrastructure and the need for transmission
  • What are the risk and insurance considerations for large scale Transmission?
  • What is transferable into the insurance market and what is not; and why not?
  • What products and solutions are being created to keep pace with the requirements of developers and lenders?

Moderator

Mortimer McKechnie
Senior Vice President, Energy & Power Leader, Africa, Marsh

Speakers

Amol Pinge
Co-Head of Business Development, Gridworks
Jared Nivison
MD, iTOO Renew Risk
Johnathan Cloete
Senior Consultant, Marsh Middle East & Africa
Suzan Pardesi
Head of Energy Underwriting, Africa Specialty Risk
15:15
Room – OKAVANGO
15:15 – 17:00

Closed Door Utilities Roundtable (By invitation only)

Reforming Utilities Holistically for Industrial Growth – What’s Needed to Succeed?

This is an invitation-only roundtable for the listed Heads of Utilities only. This is designed to foster a deeper dialogue among sector leaders.

French – English Translation

Moderator

Adwoa Banful
Partner, BCG

Speakers

Bienvenu Mony-Beya
DG, Energie Centrafricaine (ENERCA), Central African Republic
Mphumuzi Maziya
Acting MD, Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC), Eswatini
Getu Geremew
CEO, Ethiopian Electric Utility (EEU), Ethiopia
Kwadwo Brentuo Owusu
Senior Manager, Engineering Services, Bui Power Authority, Ghana
Samuel Nimako Boateng
Deputy CEO, Bui Power Authority, Ghana
William Amuna
Chairman, Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Ghana
Joy Masinde
Board Chairman, Kenya Power and Lighting Company, Kenya
Honourable Mohammed Sherif
MD/CEO, Liberia Electricity Company (LEC), Liberia
William Liabunya
CEO, Electricity Generation Company (EGENCO), Malawi
Julien Sagna
General Manager, Société de Gestion de l’Energie de Manantali (SOGEM), Mali
Tarik Hamane
CEO, Office National de l’Electricité et de l’Eau Potable (ONEE), Morocco
Samuel Edoho
CCO, Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), Nigeria
Armand Zingiro
CEO, Rwanda Energy Group (REG), Rwanda
Nontokozo Hadebe
Group Executive, Sustainability & Strategy, Eskom, South Africa
Loyiso Tyabashe
GCEO, NECSA (South African Nuclear Energy Corporation), South Africa
EnergyNet image placeholder
Monde Bala
Group Executive, Distribution, Eskom, South Africa
Wesley Lwiindi
Director, Hydropower Projects, ZESCO, Zambia
Stephen Dihwa
Coordination Centre Executive Director, Southern African Power Pool (SAPP)
Day Three – Thursday 18 June 2026

NB: Topics, times and speakers may be subject to change as the agenda develops.

08:00
Registration
08:00 –

Registration & Networking

09:00
Room – LIMPOPO
09:00 – 09:25

M300 Day Opening Remarks

Speakers

H.E. Honourable Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa
Minister of Electricity & Energy, South Africa
Simon Stolp
Practice Manager, Energy & Extractives, Southern & Eastern Africa, World Bank
Erik Fernstrom
Incoming Director, Energy and Infrastructure Africa East, World Bank
Wale Shonibare
Director, Energy Financial Solutions, Policy & Regulations Power, Energy, Climate & Green Growth Complex, AfDB
09:25 – 10:00

Plenary Session – M300 Stocktake

Speakers

Damilola Ogunbiyi
Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General, CEO for Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) & Co-Chair of UN-Energy
Erik Fernstrom
Incoming Director, Energy and Infrastructure Africa East, World Bank
Daniel Schroth
Director of Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency, AfDB
10:00 – 18:00

M300 Energy Compact Deep Dive

10:00-10:50
M300 Energy Compact Deep Dive – Gabon

Participants:
H.E. Honourable Philippe Tonangoye, Minister of Universal Access to Water & Energy, Gabon
Daniel Schroth, Director of Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency, AfDB
William Madara, Director of Government Enablement, The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet
Andrew Herscowitz, CEO, Mission 300 Accelerator, RF Catalytic Capital

10:50-11:20 Networking Coffee

11:20-12:10
M300 Energy Compact Deep Dive – Central African Republic

Participants:
H.E. Honourable Opportune Edwige Pouninguinza, Minister of Energy Development & Hydraulic Resources, Central African Republic
H.E. Honourable Marc Mandaba, Minister of Economy, Planning & International Cooperation, Central African Republic
William Madara, Director of Government Enablement, The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet
Sinenhlanhla Movundlela, Energy Officer, Sustainable Energy for All (SEforAll)
Jie Tang, Practice Manager, Energy & Extractives, West & Central Africa, World Bank

12:10-13:20 Networking Lunch

13:20-14:10
M300 Energy Compact Deep Dive – Djibouti

Participants:
H.E. Honourable Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy & Finance, Djibouti*
Mohamed Kileh Wais, Secretary General at the Ministry of Energy in charge of Natural Resources, Djibouti
Daniel Schroth, Director of Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency, AfDB
William Madara, Director of Government Enablement, The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet
Andrew Herscowitz, CEO, Mission 300 Accelerator, RF Catalytic Capital

14:10-15:00
M300 Energy Compact Deep Dive – Rwanda 

Participants:
Alemayehu Wubeshet-Zegeye, Manager, Eastern Africa Energy Operations, AfDB
Emmanuel Awa-Kalu, Finance Specialist, Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL)
Simon Stolp, Practice Manager, Energy & Extractives, Southern & Eastern Africa, World Bank

15:00-15:30 Networking Coffee

15:30-16:20
M300 Energy Compact Deep Dive – Uganda

Participants:
H.E. Honourable Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza, Minister of Energy & Mineral Development, Uganda*
Amana Bawa, Director for Partnerships & Private Sector Engagement, Mission 300 Accelerator, RF Catalytic Capital
Akil Callender, Energy Officer, Sustainable Energy for All (SEforAll)
Simon Stolp, Practice Manager, Energy & Extractives, Southern & Eastern Africa, World Bank

16:20-17:10
M300 Energy Compact Deep Dive – Burkina Faso

Participants:
Alidou Koutou, Director General of Energy, Ministry of Energy, Mines & Quarries, Burkina Faso
Daniel Schroth, Director of Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency, AfDB
Amana Bawa, Director for Partnerships & Private Sector Engagement, Mission 300 Accelerator, RF Catalytic Capital
Frederic Verdol, Practice Manager, Energy & Extractives, West & Central Africa, World Bank

09:00
Room – VOLTA
09:00 – 10:15

Large Scale Economies

Southern Africa – Fireside Chats on the Latest Trends in the Region

A series of intimate discussions between an interviewer and a special guest to provide you with unique insights on topics of the day.

French – English Translation

09:00-09:20

Fireside Chat 1

Special guest:

Ephraim Munshifwa, PS, Energy, Ministry of Energy, Zambia

Interviewer:

Edouard Wenseleers, MD, Business Development, Head of East Africa, Globeleq

 

09:25-09:45

Fireside Chat 2

Special Guest:

H.E. Honourable Philippe Tonangoye, Minister of Universal Access to Water & Energy, Gabon

Interviewer:

Zandile Hlatywayo, Director of Strategy & Innovation, Allied Talent Partners

 

09:50-10:10

Fireside Chat 3

Special Guest: 

H.E. Honourable Samantha Graham-Marè, Deputy Minister of Electricity & Energy, South Africa

Interviewer:

Rentia van Tonder, Head of Power, Corporate & Investment Banking, Standard Bank

Room – ZAMBEZI
09:00 – 10:15

Energy Financing and Trading

Offtake Structures in a Liberalising Market

How are PPAs impacted by an increasingly diverse energy buyers’ landscape?

  • How are investors moving from single-buyer utility models to multi-buyer private and merchant models?
  • Can these changes halt the current “race for them bottom” on tariffs?
  • How could reforms like SAWEM in South Africa transform future PPAs and will they impact those already in place?

Scene Setting Remarks:

Vasanie Pather, Senior Manager Project Delivery, Energy Council of South Africa

Moderator

Iain Macaulay
Director, Head of Project Finance, BII

Speakers

Man’arai Ndovorwi
Director, Technical Services, Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA), Zimbabwe
Davide Pasi
Business Development Director, Red Rocket
Bernard Geldenhuys
Energy Sector Lead, Investec Corporate & Investment Banking
Vishwas Gupta
Director, Synergy Consulting
Room – CONGO
09:00 – 10:15

Critical Minerals as a Catalyst for Industrialisation

Mining as a Catalyst for Energy Security

To turn mineral wealth into national power, Africa must leverage industrial demand to build the transmission backbone that will secure its energy future.

  • How does mining demand drive investments to building regional interconnectors? Lessons from Angola-DRC-Zambia & the Vunumoya MTS in South Africa
  • Rising to the challenge of meeting C&I energy needs in rural locations: How do we turn remote mega-projects into national grid assets?
  • How can energy expansion strengthen energy security without increasing pressure on already scarce water resources?

Scene Setting Remarks:

Mike Teke, Group CEO, Seriti Resources

Moderator

Rushaiya Ibrahim-Tanko
Global Policy Director, The Energy for Growth Hub

Speakers

Nontokozo Hadebe
Group Executive, Sustainability & Strategy, Eskom, South Africa
Alison Chikova
Chief Engineer, Planning & Operations, Southern African Power Pool (SAPP)
Mike Teke
Group CEO, Seriti Resources
Owen Silavwe
CEO, Copperbelt Energy Corporation
Room – NILE
09:00 – 10:15

Hosted Boardroom

Beyond Generation: Technology as the Next Investment Opportunity in Southern Africa’s New Energy System

  • As renewable costs fall and generation scales, where does the next wave of value creation sit – and why does evidence point to the systems and intelligence layer rather than generation assets alone?
  • What grid investment, trading technology, and market design are required to make a
    liberalising Southern African energy market work at its full potential – and who are the right partners to deliver it?
  • How do we make the software, flexibility, electrified products and grid-adjacent assets underpinning a smart energy system as attractive to investors as generation – and what does a compelling investment case look like?

Fireside Chat:
Zoisa North-Bond, CEO, Octopus Energy Generation

Interviewer:
Nwabisa Mayema, Strategic Partnerships Director, Branson Centre for Entrepreneurship

Moderator

Tracey Austin
Principal, Tangerin Advisory

Speakers

Stephen Dihwa
Coordination Centre Executive Director, Southern African Power Pool (SAPP)
Enos Banda
CEO, ENERTRAG South Africa
Melissa Sikwila
Executive Vice President, Project Development &Investment, Genesis Energy
Jono West
Co-Founder & CIO, Mobile Power
Ashleigh Gray
MD, Octopus Energy Generation
Ije Ikoku Okeke
MD, Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI)
10:15
Exhibition
10:15 – 10:45

Networking Coffee

10:45
Room – VOLTA
10:45 – 12:00

Large Scale Economies

West Africa – Fireside Chats on the Latest Trends in the Region

A series of intimate discussions between an interviewer and a special guest to provide you with unique insights on topics of the day.

French – English Translation

10:45-11:05

Fireside Chat 1

Special guest:

H.E. Honourable Mamadú Mudjetaba Djaló, Minister of Economy, Planning, and Regional Integration, Guinea-Bissau

Interviewer:

Martin Buchsenschutz, Managing Partner, Nodalis

 

11:10-11:30

Fireside Chat 2

Special Guest:

H.E. Honourable John Abdulai Jinapor, Minister of Energy & Green Transition, Ghana

Interviewer:

Damilola Hamid Balogun, Co-founder & CEO, Youth Sustainable Development Network and Clean Energy Adoption Lead, Powering Lagos SMEs

 

11:35-11:55

Fireside Chat 3

Special Guest:

H.E. Honourable Dr El Hadji Abdourahmane Diouf, Minister of Energy & Petroleum, Senegal

Interviewer:

Kitanha Toure, Regional Director, West Africa, Swedfund

Room – ZAMBEZI
10:45 – 12:00

Energy Financing and Trading

Africa’s Power Pools’ Growing Influence on Regional Integration and Energy Security

Power pools are facilitating regional energy trading, transmission development and unlocking new RE generation.

  • How are power pools facilitating increased volumes of energy being traded across their networks?
  • How are power pools supporting multiple offtake structures to make projects more bankable?
  • What is the latest in interconnecting the power pools and how will tools like RTIFF derisk projects and encourage regional power trade and broader liberalisation?

Moderator

Nancy Rivera
MD, U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC)

Speakers

Stephen Dihwa
Coordination Centre Executive Director, Southern African Power Pool (SAPP)
Askwar Hilonga
Executive Secretary, Energy Regulators Association of East Africa (EREA)
Kocou Tossou
Chairman, ECOWAS Regional Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERERA)
Monie Captan
Deputy CEO, West Africa, Petrodex
Farai Kanonda
Manager, Southern Africa Energy Operations, AfDB
Theuns Ehlers
Head, Resources & Project Finance, Absa CIB
Room – CONGO
10:45 – 12:00

Critical Minerals as a Catalyst for Industrialisation

Critical Minerals to Accelerate Renewable Energy Projects

Mining-driven power demand can accelerate investment in renewable energy projects, lowering operational costs while supporting broader industrial development.

  • How is mining and industrial demand fast-tracking solar, wind and BESS development?
  • How are renewables lowering operational costs while supporting the energy transition
    and strenghthening water security?
  • Lessons from Zambia’s 430 MW Solar-Wind Hybrid Project & DRC Nzilo II project: how mining demand enables massive renewables build-out

Moderator

Dhireshni Chowthee
Principal, Power & Renewables Finance, Nedbank CIB

Speakers

Ephraim Munshifwa
PS, Energy, Ministry of Energy, Zambia
Sampson Mamphweli
Head of Energy Secretariat, SANEDI, South Africa
Hussein Matar
Senior Director Business Development, AMEA Power
Alasdair Martin
Director, Private Customer Solutions, Globeleq
Amit Goel
Director, Synergy Consulting
Bradley Reddy
General Manager, Growth Strategy, Richards Bay Minerals
Room – NILE
10:45 – 12:00

Hosted Boardroom

Bridge Power Nuclear — Gas-to-SMR for Fast-Track Affordable African Baseload

USP&E’s Bridge Power Nuclear platform sets out a pathway from today’s gas-fired baseload to zero-carbon SMR-powered baseload for African utilities, mines and industrials:

  • Why a gas-to-SMR “bridge” can deliver affordable baseload within 5–7 years
  • How the same site, grid, and O&M team can transition from gas to nuclear, protecting CapEx and accelerating financial close
  • Key financing and regulatory enablers, including DFI support and offtake structures
  • USP&E engagements across Mali, Togo, Liberia, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and
    the USA, and how partners can co-develop first-mover projects

Moderator

Herman Schoeman
CEO, USP&E

Speakers

Naphtali Mokale
Nuclear Power Reactor Specialist, Department of Electricity and Energy, South Africa
Will Gruver
Founder & Group Chairman, USP&E
Marius von Wielligh
COO, USP&E
Leon Malan
Director, Bridge Power Nuclear, USP&E
Lex Gruver
Head of Sales & Asset Management, USP&E
12:00
Networking Villages
12:00 – 13:30

Networking Lunch

13:30
Room – VOLTA
13:30 – 14:45

Large Scale Economies

East Africa – Fireside Chats on the Latest Trends in the Region

A series of intimate discussions between an interviewer and a special guest to provide you with unique insights on topics of the day.

French – English Translation

13:30-13:50

Fireside Chat 1

Special Guest:

Christine Nganga, Director, Public Private Partnership Directorate, The National Treasury & Economic Planning, Kenya

Interviewer:

Obbie Banda, Senior Underwriter & RLSF Coordinator, ATIDI

 

13:55-14:15

Fireside Chat 2

Special Guest:

H.E. Honourable Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza, Minister of Energy & Mineral Development, Uganda

Interviewer:

Lucy Chege, Associate Executive, Project & Infrastructure Finance Department, TDB

 

14:20-14:40

Fireside Chat 3

Special Guest:

Chris Flavin, CEO, Gridworks

Interviewer:

Christel Bourbon-Séclet, Head of Energy & Infrastructure, Proparco

Room – ZAMBEZI
13:30 – 14:45

Energy Financing and Trading

Scaling Power Markets Through Secondary Asset Markets

This growing market in South Africa is attracting long-term institutional capital and allowing capital to be recycled into new projects.

  • How the secondary asset sales market completes the energy ecosystem and offers a structured exit to free up capital for the next wave of projects.
  • Why is secondary asset investment attractive to PE firms, pension funds and other long-term institutional investors?
  • How can secondary transactions help scale African power markets by recycling capital and broadening the investor base?
  • What capacity is there for an African market outside of South Africa and what lessons can be learnt from Europe and India?

Moderator

Dave Portmann
Partner, Eighteen East Capital

Speakers

Fabian Cazares
Chief Financial Officer, Infinity Power
Ziyaad Sarang
Chief Investment Officer, Revego Fund Managers
Hendrik Snyman
Director & Chief Investment Officer, Gaia Fund Managers
Arai Monteforte
VP Energy, Palladium
Andy Louw
Co-Head, STANLIB Infrastructure Investments
Room – CONGO
13:30 – 14:45

Critical Minerals as a Catalyst for Industrialisation

Powering Downstream Mining Capacity in Africa

To compete in the global critical minerals race and promote industrialisation, Africa must power its downstream mining capacity.

  • How can mining/industrial hubs and reliable energy infrastructure make the mining sector more competitive while supporting regional development?
  • How can local processing deliver greater value addition and long-term benefits for local communities?
  • The Circular Economy – how can managing energy and water facilities increase efficiency and lower associated refining costs

 

Moderator

Shirley Webber
Coverage Head, Resources & Energy, Absa CIB

Speakers

H.E.  Honourable Julius Daniel Mattai
Minister of Mines & Mineral Resources, Sierra Leone
Philippe Ossoucah
CEO, Gabon Power Company (GPC), Gabon
Ngalula Sandrine Mubenga
Board Member, Electricity Regulatory Authority (ARE), Democratic Republic of the Congo
Thabiso Sekano
Head, Mining & Metals, IDC
Zyed Akram Zitouni
Business Development & Sales VP, Karpowership
Cosmas Chiteme
Group Energy Manager, Tharisa
Room – NILE
13:30 – 14:45

Hosted Boardroom

Unlocking Investment in Clean Captive Energy for C&I Sectors in Sub-Saharan
Africa

  • Understand how CICSA’s Call for Proposals will crowd in investment to scale C&I clean energy
  • Discuss what policy frameworks will unlock and sustain investment in captive energy solutions
  • Experience firsthand outcomes and lessons from CICSA Phase I pilots
  • Engage directly with the teams behind the Initiative and connect with other
    innovators and entrepreneurs driving the future of sustainable energy systems in Africa

Scene Setting Remarks: 

H.E. Honourable John Abdulai Jinapor, Minister of Energy & Green Transition, Ghana

Tanja Werheit, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Cape Town, South Africa

Hosted by:

UNEP

Moderator

Rhoda Wachira
Programme Management Officer, Africa Office, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Speakers

Noma Qase
Programme Director, Sarem, Department of Electricity & Energy, South Africa
Sara Elhag
Head of the Energy Division, African Union
Siyabonga Zondi
Project Manager, Renewable Energy, Department of Electricity & Energy, South Africa
James Dry
Senior Transactor, Sola Group
Yamini Jain
Project Manager, Frankfurt School
Lulu Molemong
Associate Principal, Power &Renewables Finance, Nedbank CIB
Carolina Merighi
Programme Management, UNEP
14:45
Exhibition
14:45 – 15:15

Networking Coffee

15:15
Room – VOLTA
15:15 – 16:30

Large Scale Economies

MENA – Fireside Chats on the Latest Trends in the Region

A series of intimate discussions between an interviewer and a special guest to provide you with unique insights on topics of the day.

French – English Translation

15:15-15:35

Fireside Chat 1

Special Guest:

Mohamed Ismail Mansour, Co-Founder & Chairman, Infinity Power

Interviewer:

Ahmed Mulla, Deputy CEO, Infinity Power

 

15:40-16:00

Fireside Chat 2

Special Guest:

Tarik Hamane, CEO, Office National de l’Electricité et de l’Eau Potable (ONEE), Morocco

Interviewer:

Ahmed Mulla, Deputy CEO, Infinity Power

Room – CONGO
15:15 – 16:30

Critical Minerals as a Catalyst for Industrialisation

Closed Door High Level Roundtable on Critical Minerals

This is an invitation-only roundtable that will convene senior African public sector officials and high-level representatives from mining companies.

French – English Translation

Moderator

Mzila Mthenjane
CEO, Minerals Council South Africa

Speakers

H.E.  Honourable Julius Daniel Mattai
Minister of Mines & Mineral Resources, Sierra Leone
H.E. Honourable Lejone Mpotjoane
Minister of Energy & Mines, Lesotho
Honourable Charles Umehai
Deputy Minister for Energy, Ministry of Mines & Energy, Liberia
Tunde Arisekola
Senior Advisor, Geological & Minerals Information & Officer In-Charge of African Minerals Development Centre (AMDC)
Alistair Ruiters
Special Advisor: Investment Promotion, The Presidency, South Africa
Gracelin Baskaran
Director, Critical Minerals Security Program, Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
Indigo Ellis
Manager, International Relations & Portfolio Growth, BHP
Leon Groenewald
MD, Cennergi Holdings
Bradley Reddy
General Manager, Growth Strategy, Richards Bay Minerals
Mandisa Mabaso
Head of Government Relations, Southern Africa, Rio Tinto
Veli Sibiya
Senior Vice President, Sasol Mining
Mike Teke
Group CEO, Seriti Resources
Muzi Dlamini
Vice President, Energy, Climate & Water, Sibanye-Stillwater
Cosmas Chiteme
Group Energy Manager, Tharisa
Room – NILE
15:15 – 16:30

Hosted Boardroom

Powering Regional Integration: Energy Security, Network Infrastructure and Trade Integration Across Africa

  • We explore how integrated regional infrastructure can strengthen energy security, unlock trade, and accelerate Africa’s industrialisation agenda:
    How power pools and interconnectors can reduce fragmentation and improve energy security
  • The role of energy mix diversification to support industrial growth
  • How integrated energy, transport, and logistics corridors can unlock regional trade
  • The impact of critical minerals value chains on cross-border infrastructure demand
  • Effective models for delivering bankable regional infrastructure at scale
  • How DFIs and private investors can mobilise long-term capital for integration

Moderator

Mahlatsi Molokomme
Principal Investment Officer, DBSA

Speakers

Aderinsola Fajuyitan
Head: Trade Enabling Infrastructure, Afreximbank
George Kotsovos
Executive Energy & Infrastructure Finance, Standard Bank
Siyanda Mflathelwa
Head of Infrastructure, RMB
Derek Chime
Chief Investment Officer, ARM-Harith Infrastructure Investment
15:15
Room – ZAMBEZI
15:15 – 17:00

Closed Door Regulators Roundtable (By invitation only)

Reforming Energy Regulatory Structures for Industrial Growth – What’s Needed to Succeed?

This is an invitation-only roundtable for the listed Heads of Regulators only. This is designed to foster a deeper dialogue among sector leaders.

French – English Translation

Moderator

Rushaiya Ibrahim-Tanko
Global Policy Director, The Energy for Growth Hub

Speakers

Jean Baptiste Ky
President, Autorité de Régulation du Secteur de l’Énergie (ARSE), Burkina Faso
Skhumbuzo Tsabedze
CEO, Eswatini Energy Regulatory Authority (ESERA), Eswatini
Adwoa Serwaa Bondzie
Executive Secretary, Energy Commission, Ghana
Godwin Kudzo Tameklo
CEO, National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Ghana
Dad Chinthambi
CEO, Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA), Malawi
Stuart Ligomeka
Deputy Chief Secretary to the Government & Comptroller of Statutory Corporations, Malawi
Robert Kahimise
Chairperson, African Forum for Utility Regulators (AFUR) & CEO, Electricity Control Board (ECB), Namibia
H.E. Honourable Abdullahi Ahmed Dayib
DG, National Energy Authority (NEA), Somalia
Nomfundo Maseti
Full Time Regulator Member: Piped Gas Regulation, National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA), South Africa
Willibrod Majola
Full Time Regulator Member: Electricity, National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA), South Africa
Ziria Tibalwa Waako
CEO, Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA), Uganda
Man’arai Ndovorwi
Director, Technical Services, Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA), Zimbabwe
Askwar Hilonga
Executive Secretary, Energy Regulators Association of Eastern Africa (EREA)
Kocou Tossou
Chairman, ECOWAS Regional Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERERA)
Debbie Roets
Executive Secretary, African Forum for Utility Regulators (AFUR)
Day Four – Friday 19 June 2026

NB: Topics, times and speakers may be subject to change as the agenda develops.

07:30
07:30 – 08:30

YES! Registration & Networking

08:30
Registration
08:30 – 09:30

aef Registration & Networking

Auditorium 2

YES! Opening Ceremony

08:30
08:30 – 08:45

EnergyNet YES! Welcome Remarks

08:45
08:45 – 09:10

Walk With Me Programme: Why YES!?

Hear success stories from YES! Alumni and be blown away!

Moderator

Thuso Xola Kuali
YES! Ambassador & Alumni, South Africa

Speakers

Amukelani Nkhi
Co-Founder, Waste-to-Watt Innovations, South Africa
Mercy Kyalo
Founder, Feion Green Ventures, Kenya
Vincent Mosebe
Founder & CEO, Mosebe Enterprise, South Africa
Emmanuel Terwase
Co-Founder and CEO, Boost Power, Nigeria
09:10
09:10 – 09:25

Host Country Keynote Address

Speakers

H.E. Honourable Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa
Minister of Electricity & Energy, South Africa
09:25
09:25 – 10:15

Scaling Youth Entrepreneurship Opportunities

Moderator

Fumani Mthembi
Co-Founder & Sustainability Director, Pele Energy Group

Speakers

Sara Elhag
Head of the Energy Division, African Union
Dr. Candice Hartley
Group Chief People Officer, Eskom
Mpho Mokwele
Group Executive: Coverage & Origination, DBSA
Amana Bawa
Director, Partnerships and Private Sector Engagement, Mission 300 Accelerator, RF Catalytic Capital
Wale Aboyade
Vice President, Public Policy & Government Relations, Sun King
Chabisi Motloung
Chief Operating Officer, Seriti Green
10:15
10:15 – 10:40

YES! Networking Coffee

09:30
Room – VOLTA
09:30 – 10:45

Hosted Boardroom

Powering Regional Integration in Southern Africa: Long Term Planning, Market Evolution and Investment Pathways in the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP)

The panel highlights the importance of regional power system planning and market development in Southern Africa, including the ongoing update of the SAPP Generation and Transmission Master Plan.

  • It will explore how evolving market structures, new market products, and deeper regional electricity trade can strengthen market participation and renewable energy integration
  • The discussion will also examine the role of DFIs, private sector actors, and technical assistance programmes in enabling investment and supporting regional market development

Moderator

Christine Juta
Africa Regional Window Coordinator, GET.transform

Speakers

Alison Chikova
Chief Engineer, Planning & Operations, Southern African Power Pool (SAPP)
Jean Madzongwe
PAU Programs Manager, Southern Africa Power Pool (SAPP)
Lion Mashiri
Country Director Zimbabwe, Africa GreenCo
Sara Elhag
Head of the Energy Division, African Union
Room – LIMPOPO
09:30 – 10:45

Transmission and Baseload

How Has Recent Geopolitics Impacted International Attitudes to Gas? 

We consider how current conflicts and the shift in foreign policy objectives have influenced Africa’s gas project options.

  • How to build confidence in the gas sector given movements over the last ten years
  • Will the resurgence of gas projects impact investments in clean energy solutions such as solar, wind and hydro?
  • Gas can supercharge industrialisation and energy access – can this potential ever be realised?

Moderator

Caroline Still
Head of South Africa, Aurora Energy Research

Speakers

Sulemana Abubakari
Ag. Director, Power, Ministry of Energy & Green Transition, Ghana
Nomfundo Maseti
Full Time Regulator Member: Piped Gas Regulation, National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA), South Africa
Melissa Sikwila
Executive Vice President, Project Development &Investment, Genesis Energy
Serdar Kumbasar
Business Development Director, Karpowership
Marcus Nelle
Vice President of Sales (Gas Services) for Africa, Siemens Energy
Room – ZAMBEZI
09:30 – 10:45

Energy Financing and Trading

Energy Trading – Transforming Africa’s Energy Market

Energy traders are plugging a gap for creditworthy offtakers, transforming how power is financed, distributed and consumed.

  • Energy traders as service and risk partners for C&I.
  • Are mining companies the ‘golden ticket’ for energy traders or do they need to take a wider view?
  • What are the ‘rules of the road’ emerging from trader-backed projects?
  • How the rise of energy traders presents a double-edged sword for public utilities

Moderator

Lesedi Modise
Chief Investment Officer, NOA

Speakers

Wilson Masango
Chief Engineer, Markets, Southern African Power Pool (SAPP)
Martin Kasemuka
CEO, Lunzua Power Company
Evan Rice
CEO, Etana Energy
Marc-Henri Veyrassat
Marc-Henri Veyrassat, Director, EnPower
10:45
Exhibition
10:45 – 11:15

Networking Coffee

10:40
Room – CONGO
10:40 – 11:30

What It Takes to Get a Winning Business Off the Ground

Interactive Workshop

Speakers

Thapelo Motlogeloa
COO and Co-Founder, Pele Energy Group
11:45 – 12:45

Pathways to Success: What Skills and Knowledge do I Need to Seize Jobs and Entrepreneurship Opportunities?

Interactive Workshop

Speakers

Sherrie Donaldson
Stakeholder Engagement Sector Lead, Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator
Nothemba Xawuka
Stakeholder Engagement Officer, Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator
Micarlo Malan
Regional Manager, NYDA
Room – NILE
10:40 – 11:30

Decentralised Energy: Building Your Business Leadership and Powering Community Transformation

Interactive Workshop

Speakers

Wale Aboyade
Vice President, Public Policy & Government Relations, Sun King
Radhika Thakkar
Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Sun King
Nelson Karanja
Head of Corporate Communications, Sun King
11:45 – 12:15

Ask the Deputy Minister of Energy & Electricity Q&A

Speakers

H.E. Honourable Samantha Graham-Maré
Deputy Minister of Electricity & Energy, South Africa
12:15 – 12:45

Driving Inclusive Growth: Youth Pathways in South Africa’s Energy Sector

Interactive Workshop

Speakers

Precious Edward
Head, IPP Office, South Africa
Niveshen Govender
Head: Strategy, IPP Office, South Africa
Azola Mzekandaba
Socio Economic Development Manager, IPP Office, South Africa
Fumani Mthembi
Co-Founder & Sustainability Director, Pele Energy Group
Sanele Mahlanzi
Graduate, IPP Office, South Africa
11:15
Room – VOLTA
11:15 – 12:30

Technology

Realising AI to Achieve Revenue, Grid Resilience and Energy Access

We deep dive into how AI is being used to leapfrog traditional energy hurdles.

  • Are smart meter analytics resulting in accurate tracking to improve revenue protection for cash-strapped utilities?
  • How successful has AI technology been for predictive maintenance and preventing outages?
  • How is M300 leveraging AI to manage ‘digital loads’ and make mini-grids more profitable?

Moderator

Okechukwu Okoro
Okechukwu Okoro, Deputy Managing Partner & Head, Energy Practice, G Elias; Chair, Energy Practice Group, Multilaw*

Speakers

Samuel Edoho
CCO, Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), Nigeria
Al’Louise Van Deventer
General Manager, Engineering, Eskom, Manantali (SOGEM), Mali South Africa
Haytham Abdo
Director of Business Development, Desert Technologies
Amana Bawa
Director, Partnerships and Private Sector Engagement, Mission 300 Accelerator, RF Catalytic Capital
Michelle Govender
Director, Octarity and Board Member, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
Room – LIMPOPO
11:15 – 12:30

Transmission and Baseload

Harnessing Hydropower to Meet Energy Demand

The continent possesses immense hydropower potential – we look at recent progress achieved.

  • Is the opportunity for hydro in Africa in today’s current energy mix raising or waning?
  • How are the large-scale hydro projects coming online successfully evacuating the power?
  • How has the strategy shifted from building massive dams to creating resilient, hybrid systems that can withstand climate change?
  • How can technology be applied to improve water management and efficiency?

Moderator

Daniel Croft
Regional Industry Manager, IFC

Speakers

Bob Mabiala
CEO, Agency for the Development & Promotion of the Grand Inga Project (ADPI-RDC), Democratic Republic of the Congo
Julien Sagna
General Manager, Société de Gestion de l’Energie de Manantali (SOGEM), Mali
Carlos Yum
MD, The Mphanda Nkuwa Hydroelectric Project Implementation Office (GMNK), Mozambique
Nobert Matarutse
Ag. MD, Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC), Zimbabwe
Lebo Leshabane
CEO, iX engineers
Brian Kelly
Founder & CEO, Anzana Electric Group
Memory Mashingaidze
Head Renewable Energy, Tatanga Energy
Room – ZAMBEZI
11:15 – 12:30

Energy Financing and Trading

Examining the ‘Risk Gap’

Initiatives like M300 are attempting to ‘flip the script’ on investment into the continent.

  • Perceived Risk vs. Actual Investment Performance.
  • Can compacts provide much needed predictability for investors?
  • How impactful are blended finance and guarantees in derisking investments?
  • How successfully can local currency financing and permanent capital investment vehicles, like Zafiri, attract investment?

Moderator

Laura Spector
Country Manager, Energy, U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA)

Speakers

Kuukua Maurice Ankrah
Chairperson, GRIDCo, Ghana
Joy Masinde
Board Chairman, Kenya Power and Lighting Company, Kenya
Benjamin Hugues
Co-Founder & Fund Director, Camco
Don Purka
Lead Investment Officer, M300
Demba Tandia
VP Structuring & Sales, SSA, TCX
12:30
Networking Villages
12:30 – 13:30

aef 2026 Farewell Lunch

12:45
12:45 – 14:30

YES! Networking Lunch

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