The forum reinforces Africa’s collective determination to achieve universal energy access, accelerate clean energy deployment, and strengthen regional power trade. Under the theme “Africa United”, governments, financiers, developers, innovators, and youth leaders converged to turn dialogue into action through new partnerships, initiatives, and investment pledges.
Egyptian energy leader Elsewedy Electric reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Africa’s energy future through active participation at the Africa Energy Forum (AEF 2025), hosted at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. The company showcased its integrated portfolio of sustainable energy solutions while engaging with key partners, government stakeholders, and international investors.
In a statement, Elsewedy Electric described the Forum as a vital platform for advancing its mission on the continent. "This key industry event is a powerful platform for our leadership and Africa Commercial team to showcase our cutting‑edge sustainable energy solutions. We're excited to build new partnerships, unlock fresh business opportunities, and reaffirm our commitment to powering Africa’s energy future."
Elsewedy’s presence highlighted its growing role as a regional industrial powerhouse, with capabilities spanning solar generation, medium-voltage smart distribution, grid modernisation, and off-grid electrification systems. Through its exhibition stand and a series of high-level meetings, the company presented its technical solutions to support Africa’s energy transition and achieve universal electricity access.
The company’s participation aligns with its broader expansion strategy across the continent, building on recent achievements, including a $150 million financing package secured earlier this year from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), First Abu Dhabi Bank, and Europe Arab Bank. This funding supports Elsewedy’s clean energy and industrial projects, which are expected to contribute significantly to emissions reductions and the region’s decarbonisation agenda.
One of the day’s key outcomes was the launch of Mission 300 by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the World Bank, aiming to provide electricity to 300 million people by 2030, starting with 50 million new connections in its initial phase. AfDB President Dr Akinwumi Adesina declared: “No economy can grow, industrialize, or be competitive in the dark.” Dr Kevin Kariuki, AfDB Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate Change and Green Growth, added: “Mission 300 is Africa’s most ambitious and coordinated effort to deliver universal energy access at scale. It will only succeed through new capital, partners, and solutions.”
Accompanying this, AfDB signed a $400 million blended finance agreement with a consortium of private investors and development agencies to support mini-grid and off-grid solutions in underserved rural regions, prioritising projects in Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and Chad. The bank also formalised a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the African Trade Insurance Agency (ATI) to provide political risk insurance for renewable energy investments tied to Mission 300.
The forum also witnessed the signing of a cross-border transmission financing deal valued at $1.1 billion between the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP), Standard Bank, and the European Investment Bank. This agreement aims to fast-track the development of the Mozambique-Malawi-Zambia transmission corridor, a key element of the African Single Electricity Market (AfSEM). The deal was unveiled during the GET.invest session, where European and African leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deeper regional integration. Adam Cortese, CEO of Sun Africa, stated: “The future of African power infrastructure starts with Sun Africa, and the conversation about Africa’s energy future continues at the Africa Energy Forum. We are proud to be the Forum Sponsor of an event that will unite visionaries and people across the continent.”
Technology providers also sealed several essential partnerships. Trinasolar, in unveiling its Vertex N 630W ultra-durable module, announced a framework agreement with Eskomto pilot 100 MW of integrated solar-plus-storage systems in South Africa’s Northern Cape. Vincent Wu, Trinasolar’s Vice President for the Middle East and Africa, noted: “Our Vertex N 630W module and storage systems bring real resilience to African energy grids facing extreme climate realities.” In parallel, Relyez inked a supply and maintenance contract with Kenya Power to deploy modular battery energy storage systems to stabilise grid operations in Nairobi and Mombasa.
Green investment commitments continued to build momentum with the launch of the Octopus Energy Power Africa (OEPA) Fund, aimed at raising $250 million for clean energy over three years. Zoisa North-Bond, CEO of Octopus Energy Generation, said: “Africa is abundant with clean energy potential – enough to build the next-generation renewable powerhouse and a greener, fairer future fuelled by sunshine and wind.” The fund’s initial $60 million will target solar and wind projects in Kenya, Senegal, and Ghana, emphasizing local job creation.
Youth and community engagement remained central. The Youth Energy Summit (YES!) attracted over 4,000 young professionals, students, and entrepreneurs who participated in masterclasses, pitch competitions, and direct dialogues with investors. Adam Cortese highlighted the importance of youth inclusion, reiterating that the forum would “unite visionaries and unite people from across the continent.”
The day concluded with the Africa Challenge Cup at DHL Stadium, where mixed teams of delegates, sponsors, and local players participated in a friendly football tournament, embodying the spirit of unity and informal collaboration.
Day 2 of AEF 2025 showcased the power of partnerships, financial innovation, and technological advancement to drive Africa’s energy transformation. The forum is now in its third day and will focus on green finance, sustainable utility reform, and advancing regional trade frameworks.
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