Africa CEO Forum Seen as Key to Unlocking Africa’s Energy Investment

The forum, scheduled for May 14-15, is expected to draw roughly 2,800 CEOs, heads of state, ministers and business leaders, reinforcing its status as one of the largest annual meetings of Africa’s private sector.

The chamber, which represents energy executives and investors across the continent, said the event will bring together stakeholders from more than 90 countries, along with hundreds of government officials and journalists. The group said the gathering creates an environment where discussion can be turned into bankable projects and long-term partnerships.

“Africa’s energy future should be defined by Africa and platforms such as the Africa CEO Forum are strategic opportunities to advance Africa’s energy narrative,” said NJ Ayuk, executive chairman of the African Energy Chamber. “The forum in Kigali provides the platform where investors, governments and industry can engage directly, mobilize capital at scale and build partnerships that deliver reliable, affordable power to African citizens.”

Energy is expected to be a central theme of the forum, as Africa grapples with a persistent energy deficit. Despite vast natural resources, more than 600 million Africans lack access to reliable electricity and about 900 million do not have clean cooking solutions, according to the chamber. The shortfall has constrained industrialization, job creation and social development across the continent.

The chamber said addressing the crisis will require sustained investment across oil, gas, power and emerging low-carbon technologies, along with regulatory certainty and stronger African financial leadership.

The Africa CEO Forum, which focuses on the role of the private sector in driving development, aims to facilitate high-level networking, deal-making and strategic analysis. Participants gain access to decision-makers, insight into emerging investment opportunities and direct engagement with public authorities seeking public-private partnerships.

Kigali has emerged as a key hub for continental dialogue, reflecting a broader shift in confidence toward African economic leadership. Rwanda’s stable governance and investment-friendly policies have helped position the city as a host for global business discussions.

As the forum approaches, the chamber is urging energy stakeholders to participate actively, bringing projects, financing solutions and long-term commitments to the table. It said doing so will ensure Africa’s energy and economic future is not merely discussed abroad, but designed and delivered on the continent.