Africa’s vast renewable energy resources could fuel a new era of industrialisation if governments and investors succeed in turning proven clean-energy technologies into commercially viable projects, industry leaders said ahead of the African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 conference.
The issue will be a central focus at the AEW 2026 Future Economies Forum in Cape Town from 12-16 October 2016, where the Zayed Sustainability Prize will host a session examining how Africa can translate its estimated 850 terawatts (TW) of theoretical wind and solar potential into industrial growth, energy security and economic transformation.
Despite abundant renewable energy resources and increasingly competitive clean-energy technologies, only a small share of Africa’s estimated 850 TW potential has attracted commercial financing, highlighting a major investment gap across the continent.
Organisers said the forum will explore ways to reduce investment risks, strengthen investor confidence and accelerate the transition from innovation to bankable projects capable of attracting large-scale public and private capital.
The Zayed Sustainability Prize, which has supported sustainable technologies for more than two decades, said its model focuses on demonstrating measurable impact before scaling investment, an approach it believes can help unlock financing for Africa’s clean-energy sector.
Investment in the sector is nevertheless gathering pace. Renewable energy developer Masdar and infrastructure investor Africa50 are advancing a USD10 billion initiative to develop 10 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity by 2030. Egypt is also planning a 10 GW wind project, while Morocco has proposed USD 27.2 billion green hydrogen complex with 6 GW of capacity.
The forum will also examine the growing energy needs of Africa’s expanding digital economy. Africa currently accounts for between 0.6% and 1% of global data centre capacity, with more than 500 megawatts (MW) operational and another 890 MW under development.
South Africa’s artificial intelligence data centre market is projected to expand from USD99.37 million in 2026 to USD572.63 million by 2031, reflecting rising demand for reliable electricity to support digital infrastructure.
“The Zayed Sustainability Prize has spent more than two decades proving that innovation must earn confidence before it attracts capital, and that’s the mindset Africa needs to transform its immense clean energy potential into industrial growth, energy sovereignty and globally competitive economies,” African Energy Chamber Executive Chairman NJ Ayuk said.
Organisers said discussions at the forum would focus on how proven technologies, supportive policies, strategic partnerships and sustainable revenue models can attract investment and convert Africa’s renewable energy resources into long-term economic growth.
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