European Investors Ready as African Ministers Head to Barcelona for Africa Energy Forum

More than 33 ministers and 100 high-level public sector officials from Africa will gather in Barcelona for the 26th edition of the Africa Energy Forum (aef) from June 25-28 at the Fira de Montjuïc. Spain's $2.3 billion funding commitment to South Africa and support for green hydrogen projects in Mauritania highlight Europe's increasing investment in Africa’s clean energy.

Despite the doubling of renewable energy capacity in Africa over the last decade, significant investment gaps remain. Climate Analytics reports that Africa needs $100 billion annually in climate finance to meet its renewable energy goals. With investors from nearly 90 countries poised to attend aef24, the focus will be on accelerating project implementation.

This year’s theme, ‘Energy Systems for the Future – Balancing Africa’s Needs with Global Goals,’ aims to address these challenges. Public and private sector stakeholders will convene to discuss barriers and opportunities in Africa’s energy sector. A new Corporate Leadership Roundtable will enable private sector developers and investors to meet with ministers and utilities to enhance project execution.

Key topics at the forum will include hydrogen potential, grid management, energy storage, and Africa’s broader energy transition. Notable attendees include ministers from Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya, and Ghana. The event also sees participation from global energy stakeholders like the World Bank and TotalEnergies, alongside new partners such as Pele Green Energy.