The opening sessions of The 2020 Africa Energy Forum (AEF) on June 30 in Spain will be officiated by Chairwoman Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All and Co-Chair of UN-Energy, it has been announced.

Mrs. Ogunbiyi said: “Africa is a region full of promise and economic opportunity. Yet as we begin the final decade to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 7, over 573 million 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.”

The 2020 program

Taking place in Barcelona, Spain from June 30 to July 3, the 2020 agenda introduces dynamic sessions prioritising interactivity between panelists and delegates. Session formats include 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 4^th Industrial Revolution is set to play out for Africa, discussing the future of battery storage, disruptive technologies and artificial intelligence in 2020 and beyond.

A special project signing session on the opening day will see partners and sponsors sign power projects with public & 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 this June – a football tournament raising money for charity while providing an outstanding networking opportunity 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 3 days. The wining team will be recognised with an awards ceremony and prize at the aef 2020 closing ceremony.

Over 2,000 decision-makers from the public and private sector are expected to attend the 22^nd Africa Energy Forum.  

African Press Organization