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Inaugural Africa Energy Expo set to take place in Kigali, Rwanda: Launching a new era of energy in Africa

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Africa Energy Expo

Africa Energy Expo is primed to foster essential relationships and catalyse strategic investments within the energy sector

KIGALI, Rwanda, October 10, 2023/APO Group/ — 

Informa Markets (www.InformaMarkets.com), a leading global exhibition and conference organiser, today announced the launch of the first-ever Africa Energy Expo, set to take place in the vibrant city of Kigali, Rwanda, from 20 to 22 February 2024.

This flagship event is designed to facilitate critical discussions, foster collaboration, and drive progress in achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) while advancing Africa’s Power Vision goals. It comes at a crucial juncture in global energy discourse, aligning with the goals established during COP 27 and setting the stage for the relationships and investments critical to COP 28.

Endorsed by the Rwanda Ministry of Infrastructure and supported by the Rwanda Convention Bureau, the Africa Energy Expo, and the Africa Energy Leadership Summit are pivotal gatherings of African decision-makers tackling the continent’s energy infrastructure gap.

“As Rwanda proudly hosts the inaugural Africa Energy Expo, we are fully aware of the persistent energy challenges across our continent, with 43% of the African population lacking electricity access and 970 million people still in need of clean cooking solutions. Rwanda has made remarkable progress in our pursuit of universal electricity access, achieving an access rate of 70%, with 20% of this success attributed to off-grid solutions such as solar home systems and mini-grids. These initiatives are not only extending access but also fostering the growth of renewable energy sources. Through the Africa Energy Expo, we are transforming these challenges into concrete solutions.,” says Gen. Caesar -The Chief Technical Advisor in charge of Energy at the Ministry of Infrastructure, Rwanda.

“We are very pleased that Rwanda has been chosen to host the Africa Energy Expo in February 2024. This event is not just about energy; it’s about powering Africa’s future. Our country is known for its commitment to sustainability and innovation, making it the ideal destination to advance access to modern, affordable, and sustainable energy solutions in Africa. To the guests and delegates who will be attending the Africa Energy Expo 2024, we look forward to welcoming you to Kigali and ensuring that you have a memorable experience.”, Candy Basomingera, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Rwanda Convention Bureau.

Confirmed Speakers at Africa Energy Expo

The event boasts a diverse and influential lineup of speakers, each representing a distinct facet of Africa’s dynamic energy ecosystem. Confirmed speakers include:

  • Johan van den Berg, Head of Secretariat, AEEP (Africa-EU Energy Partnership)
  • Teddy Mpinganzima Mugabo, CEO, Rwanda Green Fund
  • Dr Joy Ogaji, MD/CEO, Association of Power Generation Companies
  • Pat Thaker, Editorial and Regional Director, MEA, The Economist Intelligence
  • Benedict Craven, Principal Economist and Country Risk Manager, The Economist Intelligence
  • Olamide Niyi Afuye, CEO, AMDA (Africa Minigrid Developers Association)
  • Annick Muhama, Director General for Energy, Ministry of Infrastructure – Rwanda (Advisory Board Chair)
  • NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber
  • Didier Nkurikiyimfura, Chief Strategy and Growth Officer, Smart Africa
  • Eng Sule Abdulaziz, MD/CEO, Transmission Company of Nigeria; Executive Board Chairman, West African Power Pool
  • Fadilah Tchoumba, Secretary General, ABAN (Africa Business Angels Network)
  • Joan Chahenza, Senior Technical Advisor, USAID/Power Africa Healthcare Electrification and Telecommunications Alliance (HETA)
  • John van Zuylen, CEO, Africa Solar Industry Association
  • Mwila Lando, Social Entrepreneur

“Africa Energy Expo is primed to foster essential relationships and catalyse strategic investments within the energy sector,” says Azzan Mohamed, Informa Markets Group Director – Energy Portfolio, EMEA. “It aims to connect regulators, utilities, and governments with policymakers while also establishing an enabling framework for resource sharing between African nations.”

The Africa Energy Expo is a truly pan-African event at which the entire value chain of stakeholders across Africa’s energy sector will be represented

Pan-Africa representation of energy industry players

The Africa Energy Expo is a truly pan-African event at which the entire value chain of stakeholders across Africa’s energy sector will be represented. Leading exhibitors from across Africa and beyond will showcase the latest products and solutions, focusing on five vital sectors: Renewable and Clean Energy, Conventional Power Generation, Smart Solutions, Transmission and Distribution, and Backup Generators and Critical Power solutions.

Taking place alongside the Africa Energy Expo is the Africa Energy Leadership Summit. Themed ‘Investments, integration, infrastructure, and governance for the energy transition,’ the Summit aims to forge partnerships that will accelerate targeted interventions and focus on advancing a just, fair, and sustainable energy transition, embodying Africa’s commitment to bridging its energy infrastructure divide.

In addition, the Africa Energy Expo features exhibitors’ workshops and an Entrepreneurs Forum. This forum offers business skills training for new market entrants, youth, entrepreneurs, and industry mentors, providing an opportunity for project owners and stakeholders to network, mobilize resources, and address crucial issues around policy and projects in an enabling environment.

In addition, interactive deep dive sessions on hot-button topics will enable peer-to-peer knowledge sharing, allowing stakeholders across the value chain to define the solutions that will drive the sector forward.

Collaborating for the benefit of the African energy sector

“Informa Markets’ hosted buyer programme and Investor Club are key features of our energy events. Our dedicated team facilitates conversations, business deals, and MOUs worth billions of US dollars between energy stakeholders in Africa on a daily basis, and we look forward to doing so at the Africa Energy Expo as well,” says Mohamed.

“Africa Energy Expo springs from the success of a 48-year legacy in building events, connecting the right buyers, facilitating dialogue, and supporting economic growth across the Middle East and Africa. Our leading energy events boast a 95%+ exhibitor satisfaction rating – in revenue terms, this translates into USD1.86 billion in total business per flagship edition, delivering USD1.3 million in average sales per exhibitor in the Middle East region, and USD900 million by exhibitors across Africa. With a proven record across events like Middle East Energy Dubai, Nigeria Energy, and Egypt Energy, we’re bringing this success to Rwanda to help move the continent towards its energy goals.”

In Africa, for Africa

Rwanda, renowned for its sustainable development initiatives, impressive pre-pandemic GDP growth, and resilient recovery from global challenges, is the perfect backdrop for the Africa Energy Expo. Positioned at the heart of Africa, its central location and ease of access are conducive to a pan-African energy event. Moreover, Rwanda’s commitment to sustainability, outlined in the country’s Vision 2050, aligns with Africa Energy Expo’s goals of promoting a sustainable energy future.

Africa Energy Expo 2024 promises to be a landmark event that unites stakeholders, promotes sustainable energy solutions, and propels Africa toward a brighter energy future.

Bookings for exhibition space and sponsorship opportunities are now open. Please get in touch with the team here (https://apo-opa.info/46IJZEl) and engage with 4000+ hard-to-reach buyers from across the continent.

For more information about Africa Energy Expo 2024, please visit Africa Energy Expo | Home (Africa-EnergyExpo.com).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Informa Markets: Energy.

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Golar Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG),Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) Joins Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025 Speaker Lineup

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1 day ago

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April 25, 2025

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Liquefied Natural Gas

Federico Petersen, Chief Commercial Officer of Golar LNG, will share his expertise on the future of LNG in Africa and the role of floating LNG solutions in driving the continent’s energy transformation at the Invest in African Energy Forum in Paris next month

PARIS, France, April 25, 2025/APO Group/ –Federico Petersen, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of Golar LNG, will join the upcoming Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025 Forum in Paris to discuss scaling LNG in Africa, overcoming infrastructure challenges and attracting investment. With Africa rapidly expanding its gas infrastructure, Petersen’s insights are expected to showcase how innovative LNG solutions can support sustainable energy growth across the continent.

As a global leader in floating LNG (FLNG) solutions, Golar LNG is advancing gas monetization across Africa. The company is actively involved in several key projects, including the Hilli Episeyo FLNG facility off the coast of Cameroon, operational since 2018, which plays a crucial role in unlocking regional gas resources with cost-effective, scalable LNG production. Golar LNG is also a key player in the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project offshore Senegal and Mauritania, where it owns and operates the Gimi FLNG, which received its first feed gas in January 2025, marking a major milestone in LNG export operations.

IAE 2025 (https://apo-opa.co/3ECl25b) is an exclusive forum designed to facilitate investment between African energy markets and global investors. Taking place May 13-14, 2025 in Paris, the event offers delegates two days of intensive engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, please visit www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

Additionally, Golar LNG is exploring further opportunities across the continent, including ventures in the Republic of Congo and Nigeria. In June 2024, the company signed an agreement with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation to deploy an FLNG vessel in the Niger Delta, utilizing 500 million cubic feet of gas per day to generate LNG, propane and condensate, with a final investment decision expected later this year.

The growth of LNG in Africa is set to accelerate in the coming years as key markets seek to tap into their vast natural gas reserves. As such, Petersen’s participation at IAE 2025 is poised to showcase the pivotal role of FLNG in enhancing energy security, driving economic growth and fostering regional cooperation.

As the global energy landscape shifts toward cleaner, more sustainable sources, LNG will remain crucial in powering Africa’s future, offering a reliable transition fuel to support the continent’s ambitious energy goals. With IAE 2025 as a platform for high-level dialogue and partnerships, the forum will provide an invaluable opportunity for stakeholders to explore the latest LNG developments, deepen collaboration and drive investments that will shape the future of African energy.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power

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VFD Group Plc Reports Remarkable Growth in Audited Financial Statement for 2024 Financial Year

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1 day ago

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April 25, 2025

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VFD Group Plc

Net investment income surged by 95% to N59.0 billion, despite a spike in investment expenses to N15.5 billion from N7.4 billion in 2023

LAGOS, Nigeria, April 25, 2025/APO Group/ –In a stunning turnaround, VFD Group Plc (https://VFDGroup.com), a proprietary Investment firm, has announced its audited financial results for the year ended December 31, 2024, showcasing exceptional growth. The journey to this milestone was paved with strategic initiatives and a relentless pursuit of innovation.

Just a year ago, businesses globally struggled with macroeconomic headwinds, and VFD Group, not an exception, reported a pre-tax loss of N1 billion in 2023. However, the team’s dedication and forward-thinking approach yielded impressive results. The Group reported a pre-tax profit of N11.2 billion, representing a 1202% year-on-year growth.

Net investment income surged by 95% to N59.0 billion, despite a spike in investment expenses to N15.5 billion from N7.4 billion in 2023. Net revenue increased by 90% to N71.0 billion, while operating profit grew by an impressive 104% to N48.8 billion.

The company’s financial performance was nothing short of remarkable, with notable achievements including:

– Investment and similar income: N74.6 billion, up 98% YoY

– Net investment income: N59.0 billion, up 95% YoY

– Net revenue: N71.0 billion, up 90% YoY

– Operating profit: N48.8 billion, up 104% YoY

– Pre-tax profit: N11.2 billion, a significant turnaround from a N1 billion loss in 2023

As of April 22, 2025, VFD Group’s market capitalisation surged by 116% to hit N121.6 billion from N56.2 billion year to date.

These outstanding results reflect the success of our team’s efforts. As VFD Group looks to the future, it remains committed to delivering exceptional value to its customers and stakeholders.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VFD Group Plc.

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African Energy Chamber (AEC) Champions Smart Policy, Strategic Partnerships to Advance Namibia’s Oil & Gas Discoveries

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2 days ago

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April 25, 2025

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African Energy Chamber

The African Energy Chamber is a strategic partner of the Namibia International Energy Conference, which kicked off today in Windhoek

WINDHOEK, Namibia, April 24, 2025/APO Group/ –As a strategic partner of the Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC), the African Energy Chamber (AEC) (www.EnergyChamber.org) is calling for a deliberate and accelerated approach to moving Namibia’s recent oil and gas discoveries into production – emphasizing the importance of speed, investor confidence and strategic collaboration.

Speaking during a high-level panel at NIEC 2025, AEC Executive Chairman NJ Ayuk urged Namibia to seize the momentum of its frontier discoveries, while avoiding the pitfalls that have stalled progress in other hydrocarbon-rich African nations. He emphasized that Namibia’s path to becoming a regional energy hub hinges on its ability to learn from international case studies and execute deals that ensure long-term national benefit.

“Namibia needs to move fast, produce quickly and negotiate the best deals with its partners to ensure the rapid development of its oil discoveries,” Ayuk stated. He pointed to Guyana as a prime example, noting how the South American country developed a robust strategy focused on national benefit and successfully attracted billions in investments to fast-track its energy projects.

Namibia needs to move fast, produce quickly and negotiate the best deals with its partners to ensure the rapid development of its oil discoveries

In contrast, Ayuk cautioned against the delays experienced by countries like Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda and South Africa, where production was significantly postponed, leading to rising project costs and lost opportunities. “There is a growing movement trying to discourage Africa – and Namibia – from producing its oil and gas. We must resist that,” he added.

Reinforcing the need for investor-friendly terms, Justin Cochrane, Africa Upstream Regional Research Director at S&P Global Commodity Insights, highlighted the necessity of contract stability, transparent data-sharing and a balanced approach to fiscal negotiations. “It’s natural that Namibia wants to maximize its benefits, but pushing too hard on IOCs can result in getting 100% of nothing… The first milestone must be achieving first oil,” said Cochrane.

Representing Namibia’s national oil company, Victoria Sibeya, Interim Managing Director of NAMCOR, stressed that the company is actively engaged in every phase of the industry, from data acquisition and exploration to shaping the downstream and midstream vision. “We are not just bystanders,” said Sibeya. “NAMCOR is deeply involved in data acquisition, exploration and the exchange of knowledge and technology with our partners. We are also preparing to invest in downstream and midstream sectors to ensure that we can add value once production begins.”

Echoing the call for local development, Adriano Bastos, Head of Upstream at Galp, underscored the need for early and continuous skills development – proposing that Namibians be trained abroad in specialized areas like FPSO operations to ensure they are prepared to lead once production begins at home. “Namibia has capabilities that are rare in the region, but more collaboration with international partners is essential to build the local skills base,” he said.

Bastos noted that Namibians make up 25% of Galp’s workforce in the country, including its first female offshore base manager. “We are proud of the strides we have made. Our nationalization plans are aggressive, and we work closely with [the Namibian Ports Authority] and other local entities to implement meaningful capacity-building projects.”

As Namibia stands on the cusp of transforming exploration success into production, the message from industry leaders is clear: time, trust and talent will determine the country’s trajectory. Through cross-border collaboration, pragmatic deal-making and a strong national vision, Namibia can emerge not just as an oil producer – but as a continental model for inclusive, forward-thinking energy development.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber

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