In Barcelona, Spain, from 30 June-3 July 2020, Africa Energy Forum (AEF) will be focusing on opportunities in Africa’s energy, infrastructure and industrial sectors under the theme ‘Investment & Impact’
More than 2,000 decision-makers from the public and private sector are expected to attend the 22nd Africa Energy Forum this June. The Forum’s 2020 programme puts sustainable development and the impact of power projects under the spotlight.
The 2020 Africa Energy Forum (AEF) will welcome Chairwoman Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO and special representative of the UN secretary-general for sustainable energy for all (SEforALL) and co-chair of the UN-energy, to officiate the opening sessions.
According to Ogunbiyi, “Africa is a region full of promise and economic opportunity. Yet as we begin the final decade to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7, more than 573mn people across Africa still do not have access to electricity which affects the region’s economic potential, health outcomes and prosperity.”
“Now is the time we must all come together to increase investment, make bold commitments and create new partnerships that can deliver affordable, reliable, modern and sustainable energy for all Africans,” she added.
Sessions to prioritise interactivity between panellists and delegates
The 2020 AEF sessions will focus on interactive Q&As, deep dives, roundtables and hard-hitting debates.
In line with the SDG7 goal of ensuring ‘access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all,’ AEF will host a stream dedicated to unpacking Africa’s role in achieving SDG7, debating how the continent can meet energy demands in light of global sustainability goals.
The Tech & Tools stream will examine how the Fourth Industrial Revolution is set to play out for Africa, discussing the future of battery storage, disruptive technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) in 2020 and beyond.
A special project signing session will be held on 30 June. Partners and sponsors will sign power projects with public and private sector partners in front of a live AEF audience.
The EnergyNet Student Engagement Initiative returns to invite promising finance, law and engineering students from Africa and host country Spain to meet energy ministers, participate in workshops and learn about the opportunities for energy development in their respective countries.
Networking highlights
The Africa Challenge Cup will return to AEF 2020 – a football tournament raising money for charity while providing networking opportunities for sponsors and delegates. Barcelona is the ideal city to build on the success of the 2019 tournament and exceed our charitable contribution.
New for 2020, AEF will host an Industry Quiz for teams of sponsors and delegates. Quiz rounds will take place throughout the agenda on the exhibition floor over the course of the three days. The winning team will be recognised with an awards ceremony and prize at the AEF 2020 closing ceremony.
