The African Energy Chamber (AEC) will host the Invest in African Energies investor forum in Shanghai on March 13, 2025. This forum will serve as a crucial platform for fostering stronger China-Africa relations and creating new avenues for Chinese producers, investors, and equipment suppliers to expand their presence across the African continent.
Held at the Westin Bund Center, the forum builds upon the AEC’s successful series of global investor forums. It will showcase emerging investment opportunities in Africa and highlight the significant role Chinese firms can play in driving these projects forward. In conjunction with the forum, the AEC will also engage with government officials, state-owned and private companies, and entrepreneurs to promote enhanced collaboration between Africa and China across the oil and gas, mining, and renewable energy sectors.
China’s position as Africa’s largest bilateral trading partner, with trade volumes reaching $282 billion in 2023, underscores the importance of this relationship. Chinese firms have a growing presence across Africa, with Chinese exploration and production companies demonstrating a strong interest in increasing investments. Examples include Wing Wah’s pioneering integrated natural gas project in the Republic of Congo, CNOOC’s exploration and investment activities in Angola, East Africa, and West Africa, and CNPC’s significant upstream oil and gas projects in Mozambique and Niger. Chinese independent United Energy Group (UEG) is also expanding its operations in Egypt.
Beyond exploration and production, Chinese equipment suppliers and service providers are playing a critical role in supporting African energy projects. Companies like China National Chemical Engineering are contributing to the development of key infrastructure projects, such as the Lobito Refinery in Angola and the proposed Ogidigben gas project in Nigeria. China’s Belt and Road Initiative further encourages the participation of Chinese equipment suppliers and infrastructure developers in Africa, facilitating cross-border collaboration and creating new trade corridors.
“China has proven itself to be a strong partner for Africa,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. “From upstream oil and gas projects to downstream infrastructure developments to renewable energy, power facilities, and transportation corridors, Chinese firms are eager to support African development. This forum will capitalize on this interest to connect Chinese firms with African projects.”
Ayuk added, “Africa is ripe with energy business opportunities for Chinese companies, especially with the G20 summit coming to Africa this year. African Energy Week will play a leading role as the home of G20 Africa energy investments. We continue to encourage innovation and investment in our energy sector and urge African states to accelerate the creation of a business climate where businesses of any size can grow and thrive on our continent.”
The Shanghai forum will precede the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference, scheduled for September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town. AEW 2025, the continent’s largest energy event, will further drive investment into African energy projects, with China’s vital role as a key trade and finance partner taking center stage.
