Invest in African Energies has emerged as a key platform for energy investments between Africa and G20 nations. As major energy projects require funding, international financial institutions, including the U.S. Export-Import Bank (EXIM), are playing a role in financing initiatives that drive energy development across the continent.
EXIM is expected to approve financing for TotalEnergies’ $20 billion Mozambique LNG project in the coming weeks. ExxonMobil’s $30 billion Rovuma LNG project is also awaiting a final investment decision by 2026. These projects highlight the role of U.S. financial support in advancing Africa’s energy sector. However, concerns have arisen over the U.K.’s reassessment of its $1 billion commitment to Mozambique LNG, which may impact the project’s progress and broader energy sector growth in the region.
The AEW event, scheduled for September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town, serves as a forum for African and G20 nations to discuss investment opportunities, policy frameworks and energy security. It brings together government officials, financial institutions and industry leaders to facilitate collaboration and secure funding for critical energy infrastructure.
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Strategic partnerships and investment agreements
At last year’s AEW, key discussions took place between African and G20 representatives. A U.S.-Africa Energy Partnerships Roundtable addressed collaboration on technology, policy and investment. A Saudi-Africa Partnerships Roundtable outlined Saudi Arabia’s long-term energy engagement in Africa. Discussions also covered TotalEnergies’ LNG projects in Mozambique, Nigeria and Egypt, as well as the East African Crude Oil Pipeline.
Eni’s upstream projects in the Republic of Congo, Angola and Libya contributed to discussions on supply resilience and investment. AEW has played a role in advancing financial agreements, particularly those supported by G20 nations. China’s Belt and Road Initiative has funded major energy projects, including hydroelectric dams, solar parks and oil refineries. Germany’s KfW Development Bank has supported renewable energy initiatives, including off-grid solar solutions and green hydrogen projects in South Africa and Algeria.
Brazil’s state-owned Petrobras led a delegation at last year’s AEW to explore partnerships in oil and gas exploration. These partnerships highlight AEW’s role in bringing together international investors and African stakeholders to strengthen energy security and sustainability.
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Expanding energy investment opportunities
AEW continues to attract investment interest from G20 nations. The African Farmout Forum, a dedicated platform within AEW, has drawn attention from companies looking to acquire or partner in African exploration and production assets. Firms from Australia, the U.S., the U.K., Canada and other G20 nations have participated in discussions on expanding their operations in Africa’s energy sector.
As Africa navigates the energy transition, AEW provides a forum to align G20 investments with the continent’s long-term energy strategies. International funding, including from EXIM Bank, plays a role in realising Africa’s energy potential. By securing timely investments, AEW supports Africa’s efforts to expand energy access and drive economic growth.
By fostering partnerships between Africa and G20 nations, AEW facilitates investment discussions that contribute to energy security, economic development and global climate commitments.
