The year 2026 is shaping up to be a defining year for African energy. Amid shifting geopolitics, intensifying trade disputes and the global push to diversify supply chains, international partners are increasingly turning toward Africa as a strategic energy anchor. At the same time, continent-wide regulatory reform, new oil and gas discoveries and strengthened global alliances have significantly enhanced Africa’s competitiveness, positioning it as one of the most attractive destinations for foreign energy capital in today’s climate.

At this pivotal moment, the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies Conference & Exhibition emerges as the continent’s most consequential energy platform – for international investors seeking new entry points, for African governments engaging global partners and for indigenous companies expanding their regional and global footprint. Taking place October 12-16, 2026 in Cape Town, AEW’s newly launched Draft 2026 program reflects the urgency, scale and opportunity defining Africa’s current energy trajectory. (Press release)

Turkey and Ethiopia signed an MoU on energy cooperation during President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit to Addis Ababa, Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced.

Erdoğan paid a one-day visit to Addis Ababa on Tuesday upon the invitation of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, his first to Ethiopia in 11 years.

In a post on X, Bayraktar said he attended inter-delegation talks chaired by Erdoğan and Abiy.

As part of the visit, Bayraktar and Ethiopian Minister of Water and Energy Habtamu Itefa signed the memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the field of energy.

The agreement, according to the minister, aims to strengthen experience-sharing and develop concrete projects across a broad range of areas, including electricity generation, grid infrastructure, renewable energy investments and hydroelectric infrastructure.

The two sides also agreed on a comprehensive roadmap to deepen existing cooperation and identify new partnership areas spanning energy and mining, education, health, transportation and agriculture, as well as environment, urban planning, culture and tourism, the minister said.

Turkey has close ties with Ethiopia. In 2024 Ankara helped mediate a dispute between Ethiopia and Somalia over Addis Ababa’s plan to build a port in the breakaway region of Somaliland. (Turkishminute)

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed commended the Arjo Coal Processing Factory as a key driver of Ethiopia’s industrial expansion, highlighting its strategic role in supporting domestic industries and fostering economic self-reliance.

The Prime Minister visited Kelem Wollega, West Wollega, and East Wollega zones in Oromia regional state to review and observe the performance and outcomes of various development projects.

The tour included agricultural initiatives, irrigation and infrastructure projects, and industrial sites, providing an opportunity to assess firsthand the tangible benefits these projects are bringing to local communities and the broader regional economy.

After his visit to Arjo Coal Processing Factory in East Wollega zone, the Prime Minister noted that the factory addresses the country’s demand for crushed stone, which would otherwise have to be imported, supplying essential raw materials to major sectors including cement, iron, and construction. This contribution, the Prime Minister emphasized, is vital for advancing Ethiopia’s broader economic development. (FMC)

Ethiopia and Ireland have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at expanding bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors, including business and investment.

The agreement was formalized at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Addis Ababa by Ethiopia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hadera Abera, and Ireland’s State Minister for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, minister Hadera highlighted the MoU as a reflection of the shared commitment between the two nations to maintain regular dialogue and deepen collaboration.

“The cooperation between our two countries extends beyond humanitarian efforts and into vital areas like business and investment,” Hadera said, reaffirming Ethiopia’s dedication to fostering a long-term and meaningful partnership. (ENA)