Senior government and industry delegations from Nigeria, Senegal, Zambia and Djibouti are expected to participate in the Invest in African Energy Forum scheduled for April 22 and 23 in Paris, reflecting a broader continental push to mobilise capital across oil, gas, power and renewable energy systems. The gathering forms part of a wider set of initiatives positioning African energy markets within global investment conversations while retaining an emphasis on domestic value creation and regional integration.
Across the continent, energy systems are undergoing a period of transition shaped by rising demand, infrastructure constraints and the parallel expansion of hydrocarbons and renewables. The participation of these four countries illustrates the diversity of pathways being pursued, rather than a singular trajectory.
Nigeria continues to advance a gas centred strategy alongside its longstanding oil sector. Policy reforms introduced through the Petroleum Industry Act have aimed to improve regulatory clarity and investment conditions. Major infrastructure developments, including the Ajaokuta Kaduna Kano pipeline and the proposed Nigeria Morocco Gas Pipeline, are intended to strengthen domestic distribution and regional connectivity. The Dangote refinery, with a nameplate capacity of 650000 barrels per day, has entered operational phases and is expected to influence both domestic supply and intra African trade in refined products. Licensing rounds offering new blocks remain part of efforts to sustain upstream investment.
Senegal’s emergence as a hydrocarbon producer has added a new dimension to West Africa’s energy landscape. Offshore developments such as the Sangomar oil field and the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim liquefied natural gas project have moved into production phases, positioning the country as both an oil exporter and a participant in global gas markets. At the same time, Senegal has signalled an intention to balance hydrocarbons with energy transition commitments, including participation in international partnerships supporting renewable energy deployment and grid expansion.
Zambia’s energy policy reflects a different set of structural considerations. Historically reliant on hydropower, the country has faced variability linked to climate conditions and water levels. In response, authorities have encouraged diversification through solar generation, coal expansion and petroleum infrastructure, alongside regulatory reforms designed to attract independent power producers. Projects such as the Ndola refinery and utility scale solar plants form part of a broader objective to expand generation capacity and stabilise supply in line with projected economic growth.
Djibouti, by contrast, represents a smaller but strategically located energy system shaped by import dependence and regional interconnection. The country has prioritised renewable energy development, including wind, solar and geothermal resources, with projects such as the Ghoubet wind facility and geothermal exploration at Lake Assal. Electrification rates have improved in recent years, although universal access remains a stated medium term goal. Djibouti’s geographic position also underpins its role as a logistics and transit hub for energy flows in the Horn of Africa.
Taken together, these national trajectories highlight a multi layered African energy landscape in which resource endowment, geography and policy frameworks interact in different ways. The Paris forum is expected to provide a platform for engagement between policymakers, developers and financiers, with discussions likely to focus on investment frameworks, infrastructure financing and the balance between export oriented projects and domestic energy access.
While international capital remains significant, there is increasing emphasis within African policy circles on ensuring that energy development contributes to local industrialisation, employment and long term resilience. The presence of diverse delegations at the forum reflects both the opportunities and the complexities inherent in this approach, underscoring that Africa’s energy future is being shaped through a range of interconnected but distinct national strategies.
