Dakar: 1st Edition of the Arab-African Forum on Energy Financing and Investment (AAFEF)

AAFEF 2026: Connecting African and Gulf Energy Sectors

The 1st Arab-African Forum for Energy Financing and Investment (AAFEF) is a major strategic event designed to connect Gulf capital with African resources. The first edition, named AAFEF 2026, is scheduled to take place from June 4 to 5, 2026, in Dakar, Senegal.

The Forum will be held under the High Patronage of His Excellency Mr. Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, President of the Republic of Senegal.

It is co-organized by the Africa Energy Investment Corporation (AEICORP) and AME Trade Ltd, with the institutional support and approval of the Ministry of Energy, Petroleum and Mines of Senegal.

Senegal is considered an ideal host for this inaugural edition, thanks to a stable investment environment supported by recent major oil and gas discoveries (such as Grand Tortue Ahmeyim and Sangomar), which form the foundation of its energy development plans and its objective of universal access to electricity.

AAFEF 2026 is a crucial platform aimed at enabling leaders from the hydrocarbons and energy sectors in Africa and the Gulf to develop a bilateral strategy for a win-win partnership, promoting sustainable investments in the economic transformation of Africa’s energy sector. The event seeks to address the growing and necessary interest of Gulf States in the African energy sector.

Forum Theme

“Building Innovative Strategic Partnerships for a Sustainable Energy Mix in Africa”

Key Objectives of AAFEF 2026

• Developing an annual meeting platform for investment cooperation across the entire hydrocarbons and energy value chain;
  
• Identifying the various sources and types of financing available for the development of Africa’s energy industry;
  
• Establishing partnerships with solution providers for the energy industry;
  
• Exploring specific energy investment opportunities presented by NOCs (National Oil Companies) and NECs (National Energy Companies), as well as participating African governmental entities;
  
• Assessing the role of national, regional, and international financial institutions, as well as capital markets, in financing investment projects within Africa’s energy industry;
  
• Defining strategic investment mechanisms and vehicles for managing energy revenues.
  

Scope and Ambition of the Event

AAFEF 2026 will bring together a wide range of industry stakeholders to explore effective financing solutions and strategies aimed at unlocking Africa’s energy potential across the entire value chain. It will also highlight major oil and gas investment projects in the region.

Expected Participants

• Regional and international financial institutions;
  
• Multilateral financial agencies;
  
• Private equity firms;
  
• Institutional investors and sovereign wealth funds;
  
• National and international energy companies;
  
• Governments and other industry stakeholders;
  
• National Oil Companies;
  
• International Oil Companies.
  

Event Format

The cross-sector event will include:

• Two days of high-level conference debates;
  
• Interactive workshops;
  
• A trade exhibition enabling companies and institutions to showcase their goods and services.
  

Conclusion

AAFEF 2026 will provide an excellent opportunity for stakeholders to gain practical insights into the strategic priorities and challenges of the sector.