Africa is home to the world’s youngest and fastest growing populations. Despite accounting for 16% of the world’s population, the region faces the lowest level of energy access, with over 700 million people lacking electricity and clean cooking facilities.
As the Global North transitions away from fossil fuels, Africa is in a different stage of development, facing the dual challenge of combating energy poverty while also fueling its industrial ambitions. Over the next two decades, rapid population growth and industrialisation are expected to significantly increase energy demand across the continent. This necessitates immediate solutions to improve access to reliable energy in order to lower the cost of doing business, create jobs, and unlock economic potential. To meet these rising demands, Africa is implementing policies and regulations to attract substantial investment in its oil and gas reserves and catalysing action on energy infrastructure development. Harnessing its hydrocarbons offers a quick and affordable solution to end the continent’s energy deficit, lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty and propelling industrial and commercial development.
The EGYPES 2025 African Dialogue Conference brings together top government officials, policymakers, and key stakeholders from North and Sub-Saharan Africa’s energy industry to discuss strategies for enhancing cross-regional cooperation and address the challenges and opportunities in achieving energy security.