AEW 2025 Launched As $43bn Energy Spending Forecasted For Africa

As momentum builds across the Africa continent’s oil, gas, power, and renewable sectors, total capital expenditure in oil and gas alone is projected to reach $43 billion in 2025, with a long-term outlook of $54 billion by 2030.

This is even as the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference has officially launched its 2025 program, setting the stage for what is expected to be a pivotal year in African energy.

The executive chairman of the African Energy Chamber, NJ Ayuk, while speaking to journalists in Nigeria, emphasised the conference’s impact.

“Africa is on the cusp of an energy revolution, and AEW: Invest in African Energies is where the deals that will define our continent’s future are made. We remain committed to making energy poverty history by 2030, and through this event, we are accelerating the partnerships and policies that will make that vision a reality,” Ayuk added.

Gas-to-power is a vital bridge in this transition, with Nigeria, Algeria, and Egypt spearheading regional development. As Africa aims to eliminate energy poverty by 2030, the continent’s power sector is undergoing transformation. The Powering Africa stage will focus on energy efficiency, diversification, renewables integration, and grid expansion. A new Energy Finance stage will spotlight the African Energy Bank, cross-border project financing, M&A trends, and solutions to reduce investment barriers.

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Returning to Cape Town this year, AEW 2025 will convene industry leaders, government officials, global investors, and key stakeholders under the theme Positioning Africa as the Next Global Energy Champion. The conference will cover the full energy value chain — from upstream exploration and production to downstream infrastructure, the energy transition, power sector revitalization, and energy finance.

Now recognised as the largest energy event on the continent, AEW has become a critical platform for signing deals and fast-tracking projects. The 2025 edition introduces an expanded format with new stages, technical hubs, fireside chats, the return of the African Farmout Forum, and a dedicated deal room. A Just Energy Transition concert will kick off the week, while the African Energy Awards & Gala Dinner will recognize top contributors to the sector.

A key highlight of this year’s event is the G20 Energy Leaders Roundtable, aligning with South Africa’s hosting of the G20 Summit. Additional spotlights will focus on individual African markets including South Africa, Senegal, Equatorial Guinea, Namibia, and the Republic of Congo, with strategic roundtables featuring OPEC, BRICS, and COP 30 discussions.

Africa’s energy sector is surging, with capital expenditure in oil and gas expected to hit $43 billion in 2025, and projected to grow to $54 billion by 2030. West Africa is expected to lead this investment wave, accounting for over 50% of 2025’s total spend. While stalwarts like Nigeria continue to dominate, new players such as Senegal and Mauritania are gaining momentum.

In Southern Africa, Namibia targets first oil production by 2029, South Africa is ramping up offshore and shale gas exploration, and Mozambique is progressing its LNG infrastructure. The AEW Upstream E&P Forum will explore Africa’s hottest exploration frontiers, including deepwater plays, onshore basins, and Libya’s revival.

Simultaneously, AEW 2025 will dive deep into Africa’s just energy transition. Countries such as Namibia, Mauritania, and South Africa are leading the green hydrogen charge, while solar and wind projects are gaining ground in underserved regions. The Energy Transition stage will cover decarbonization, clean cooking, ESG integration, and energy security.