IAE 2025: Africa’s Energy Potential to Drive Global Collaboration in Paris

As the world undergoes a transformative shift in energy dynamics, Africa is emerging as a pivotal player in the global energy narrative. This strategic shift will take center stage at the Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025 forum, scheduled for May 13–14, 2025 in Paris. Designed as an exclusive platform to connect African energy stakeholders with global investors, the event promises to shape the next wave of cross-border energy collaboration.

Among the highly anticipated sessions is the high-level panel discussion titled “The Future of Global Energy Partnerships: Seizing Africa’s Untapped Market Opportunities”, sponsored by Energean. This panel will explore how the evolving global energy order is reshaping Africa's engagement with international investors and partners.

Distinguished Panelists to Drive Strategic Dialogue

Moderated by NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber and a key advocate for African energy independence, the panel will bring together some of the most influential voices in the sector:

• Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua, Minister of Hydrocarbons, Republic of Congo

• Maggy Shino, Petroleum Commissioner, Ministry of Mines and Energy, Namibia

• Mathios Rigas, CEO, Energean

• Marco Villa, Chief Business Officer, Technip Energies

These leaders will offer firsthand insights into the mechanisms, frameworks, and opportunities driving investment in Africa's upstream, midstream, and downstream energy sectors.

Strategic Shifts: Why Africa Matters More Than Ever

The session is set against a backdrop of changing global investment priorities. As countries in the Middle East and the BRIC bloc (Brazil, Russia, India, China) expand their energy footprints, Africa is being recognized not only for its vast natural resources but also for its strategic role in global energy security and sustainable industrialization.

Nations such as the Republic of Congo, Nigeria, and Gabon are leading this evolution. Their energy strategies include a diverse mix of oil and gas assets, rapidly expanding infrastructure, and a clear pivot toward value-added investment in refining, petrochemicals, and power generation. For investors, this represents a rare combination of high-growth potential and untapped market segments.

Unlocking Opportunity Through Strategic Partnerships

The panel will delve into various models of collaboration reshaping Africa’s energy sector:

• Equity participation in upstream ventures

• Joint ventures and consortia in midstream projects

• Technical and capacity-building partnerships in downstream operations

These arrangements are not only mitigating risks for international investors but also ensuring long-term value creation within African economies. From Nigeria’s gas monetization programs and Congo’s integrated energy infrastructure plans to Gabon’s ambitions for downstream petrochemical expansion, the continent is increasingly seen as a fertile ground for strategic, win-win collaborations.

Attracting Capital: What Investors Consider Bankable

A key takeaway from the discussion will be identifying bankable opportunities in Africa’s energy sector. Panelists will address:

• Regulatory clarity and investment incentives

• Infrastructure readiness and project scalability

• Local content policies and their impact on partnership viability

• Strategies for derisking investments in politically and economically diverse environments

With governments streamlining licensing, improving transparency, and embracing digital solutions to enhance operational efficiency, the investment climate in many African nations is becoming more attractive than ever.

IAE 2025: More Than a Forum – A Catalyst for Growth

The IAE 2025 forum aims to be more than a networking event. It is a deal-making and insight-sharing platform that will convene energy ministers, CEOs, financiers, developers, and technical experts over two intensive days. The forum provides unmatched access to policymakers and showcases real-time opportunities in exploration, production, power generation, renewables, and industrial energy applications.

For those looking to engage or invest in African energy markets, the forum represents a must-attend gathering.

Registration and Sponsorship Information:

For details on delegate registration, partnership, and sponsorship opportunities, visit: www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com or contact: sales@energycapitalpower.com.

Seizing the Moment for Africa’s Energy Growth

As global energy priorities evolve, Africa’s role is being redefined not as a resource frontier alone but as a strategic, equal partner in shaping the future of global energy. The IAE 2025 forum and its featured panel discussion will spotlight how collaboration, investment, and innovation can converge to unlock Africa’s full energy potential—and, in doing so, contribute to a more secure, sustainable global energy future.