Informa Markets, a leading global exhibition and conference organiser, has 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,” Gen. Caesar -The Chief Technical Advisor in charge of Energy at the Ministry of Infrastructure, Rwanda, said.
“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, and Benedict Craven, Principal Economist and Country Risk Manager, The Economist Intelligence
Others are 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, and 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.”
