Windhoek to host African energy summit

The organisers of the International African Energy, Oil and Gas Summit, IAEOGS 2026, have issued a global call for delegates, sponsors and exhibitors ahead of the event in Windhoek in October.

The summit is being organised with strategic partners and co-hosted by the Namibia University of Science and Technology, NUST.

Organisers say the event will bring together government representatives, investors, energy companies, technology operators, refinery owners, researchers and development partners to discuss investment, energy access, regulation and land governance across Africa.

Energy access challenge

Africa has significant oil, gas, solar, hydro and wind resources, but much of the continent continues to face limited energy access and weak infrastructure.

International Energy Agency figures show that more than 600 million people in Africa do not have access to electricity. More than 900 million people also rely on traditional biomass fuels, including charcoal and wood, for cooking.

The organisers say unreliable electricity networks and fragmented logistics systems are costing African economies an estimated $130bn in gross domestic product each year. They also say Africa receives less than 3% of global energy investment despite the scale of its untapped energy resources.

Focus on investment and governance

IAEOGS 2026 will focus on attracting capital for energy and infrastructure projects, improving regulatory certainty and strengthening governance systems intended to protect both local and foreign investment.

The event will include discussions on the risks facing energy investors, regulatory frameworks, land governance and the protection of infrastructure projects.

Delegates are also expected to examine ways to mobilise cross-border financing, use carbon markets and access funding linked to the African Energy Bank.

Namibia’s emerging energy role

The event was initially planned for Doha, Qatar, but will now take place in Windhoek. Organisers say the decision reflects Namibia’s growing profile in the global energy sector following major offshore discoveries in the Orange Basin.

Namibia has attracted international attention after oil discoveries offshore, although commercial production has not yet begun. The organisers describe the country as a stable environment for cross-border investment and energy-sector dealmaking.

Regional trade and supply

The programme will consider how the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA, could support more reliable energy, oil, gas and liquefied natural gas supply chains.

Organisers say discussions will examine cooperation between established producers, including Nigeria, and emerging energy markets such as Namibia.

The summit will also feature business-to-business and business-to-government meetings intended to connect ministers, independent refinery owners, technology companies and institutional financiers.

Partners and co-hosts

The summit is being convened in partnership with NUST’s Integrated Land and Livelihoods Hub, ILLH, the Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa, NELGA, and CRG Research and Consulting Ltd.

Strategic partners include the Crude Oil Refinery-Owners Association of Nigeria, CORAN, African Energy World, African Energy Vault Ltd, African Peace Magazine UK, Transcontinental University USA and African Energy Academy Ltd.

Event details

IAEOGS 2026 will be held at the Hilton Hotel in Windhoek from 20 to 24 October 2026.

The theme is Igniting Africa’s Energy and Land Governance Future.

The organisers say registrations, exhibition spaces and sponsorship opportunities are available through the official IAEOGS event portal.

Growing demand for infrastructure

Africa’s population is projected to reach about 2.5 billion by 2050, increasing pressure on governments and businesses to expand reliable power supply, transport networks and other essential infrastructure.

Organisers say the summit aims to encourage investment and policy discussions on how African countries can meet rising energy demand while improving access to electricity and cleaner cooking fuels.