The Africa Energy Expo, set to take place in Kigali, Rwanda, from February 20 to 22, 2024, will be the first of its kind. It is designed to facilitate critical discussions, foster collaboration, and drive progress in achieving UN Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) while advancing Africa’s Power Vision goals. The event aligns with the goals established during COP 27 and sets the stage for the relationships and investments critical to COP 28.

Organized by The Informa Markets, a global exhibition and conference organizer, the event is 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 addressing the continent’s energy infrastructure gap.

Commenting on the development, Candy Basomingera, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB) expressed delight for selecting Rwanda to host the Africa Energy Expo in February 2024 and extended warm welcome to participants.

“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.

Gen. Caesar, the Chief Technical Advisor in charge of Energy at Rwanda’s Ministry of Infrastructure, acknowledged the energy challenges facing Africa and expressed optimism about leveraging the platform to find concrete solutions.

“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,” he said.

The event boasts a diverse and influential lineup of speakers, each representing a distinct facet of Africa’s dynamic energy ecosystem.

According to Azzan Mohamed, Informa Markets Group Director- Energy Portfolio, EMEA, Africa Energy Expo is primed to foster essential relationships and catalyse strategic investments within the energy sector.

“It aims to connect regulators, utilities, and governments with policymakers while also establishing an enabling framework for resource sharing between African nations,” he noted.

From left to right: Azzan Mohamed, Group Director – MEA Energy Portfolio, Informa Markets; Frank Murangwa, Director of Destination Marketing at Rwanda Convention Bureau; Serge Wilson Muhizi, Chief Executive Officer, Energy Private Developers Rwanda; and Gen. Cesar, Chief Technical Advisor in charge of Energy, Water, and Sanitation, briefing the media about the upcoming event.

Pan-Africa representation of energy industry players

The Africa Energy Expo is a truly pan-African event at which the entire value chain of stakeholders across Africa’s energy sector will be represented. Leading exhibitors from across Africa and beyond will showcase the latest products and solutions, focusing on five vital sectors: Renewable and Clean Energy, Conventional Power Generation, Smart Solutions, Transmission and Distribution, and Backup Generators and Critical Power solutions.

Taking place alongside the Africa Energy Expo is the Africa Energy Leadership Summit. Themed ’Investments, integration, infrastructure, and governance for the energy transition,’ the Summit aims to forge partnerships that will accelerate targeted interventions and focus on advancing a just, fair, and sustainable energy transition, embodying Africa’s commitment to bridging its energy infrastructure divide.

In addition, the Africa Energy Expo features exhibitors’ workshops and an Entrepreneurs Forum. This forum offers business skills training for new market entrants, youth, entrepreneurs, and industry mentors, providing an opportunity for project owners and stakeholders to network, mobilize resources, and address crucial issues around policy and projects in an enabling environment.

In addition, interactive deep dive sessions on hot-button topics will enable peer-to-peer knowledge sharing, allowing stakeholders across the value chain to define the solutions that will drive the sector forward.

Rwanda has positioned itself as a hub for international events destination.

Collaborating for the benefit of the African energy sector

“Informa Markets’ hosted buyer programme and Investor Club are key features of our energy events. Our dedicated team facilitates conversations, business deals, and MOUs worth billions of US dollars between energy stakeholders in Africa on a daily basis, and we look forward to doing so at the Africa Energy Expo as well,” says Mohamed.

Africa Energy Expo springs from the success of a 48-year legacy in building events, connecting the right buyers, facilitating dialogue, and supporting economic growth across the Middle East and Africa.

“Our leading energy events boast a 95%+ exhibitor satisfaction rating – in revenue terms, this translates into USD1.86 billion in total business per flagship edition, delivering USD1.3 million in average sales per exhibitor in the Middle East region, and USD900 million by exhibitors across Africa.

With a proven record across events like Middle East Energy Dubai, Nigeria Energy, and Egypt Energy, we’re bringing this success to Rwanda to help move the continent towards its energy goals,” Mohammed explained.

In Africa, for Africa

Rwanda, renowned for its sustainable development initiatives, impressive pre-pandemic GDP growth, and resilient recovery from global challenges, is the perfect backdrop for the Africa Energy Expo. Positioned at the heart of Africa, its central location and ease of access are conducive to a pan-African energy event.

Moreover, Rwanda’s commitment to sustainability, outlined in the country’s Vision 2050, aligns with Africa Energy Expo’s goals of promoting a sustainable energy future.

Africa Energy Expo 2024 promises to be a landmark event that unites stakeholders, promotes sustainable energy solutions, and propels Africa toward a brighter energy future.