Epena Law Gains Critical Insights at African Energy Week 2023
Our Managing Partner Johanna Monthe and our Associate Clarence Dongkeng, recently attended the highly anticipated African Energy Week (AEW) conference held in Cape Town, South Africa. As Africa’s largest energy event, AEW 2023 delivered four days of critical discussions and deal-making that will shape the continent’s energy future. Our team assisted sessions covering the entire spectrum of Africa’s energy landscape. Thought-provoking panel talks, fireside chats, presentations and networking events provided invaluable learnings and business connections. Key highlights included:
- A ministerial session unattended by 29 African energy ministers indicating strong governmental support for balancing energy transition with oil and gas development.
- Announcements of major new oil and gas discoveries across Africa, including Namibia, South Africa, Nigeria and Angola. However, emphasis remained on pursuing low-cost development and avoiding stranded assets.
- Plans to scale up renewable energy investments, with a projected $100 billion in solar and wind projects in the pipeline. Discussions focused on regulatory reforms and innovative funding to enable this growth.
- Debates around improving regional collaboration on megaprojects such as the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and East African Crude Oil Pipeline.
- Strategies to boost African ownership and capacity in the energy sector through better policy, regulation and local content requirements.
- Commitments to invest billions in transmission infrastructure and off-grid solutions to expand electricity access, especially in rural areas.
With intimate access to these kinds of insights direct from policymakers, company executives and investors, our team gained a deep understanding of Africa’s most impactful energy developments. As a corporate law firm advising clients across Africa’s energy sector, Epena Law will leverage these learnings to provide more informed counsel and deliver greater value.