Global energy demand is set to jump 20% by 2055 driven by economic and population growth, said an industry expert, adding renewable energy and natural gas will likely account for much of the growth, creating big opportunities for investment in new gas projects and supporting infrastructure.
Africa will need at least $125 billion in investment in oil refining through 2050, including funding for new projects, existing facilities and maintenance, an OPEC official said at African Energy Week 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa, as the continent's oil demand is projected to outpace refining capacity, said a report.
Floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) is rapidly emerging as a cornerstone of Africa’s gas development strategy, as the continent prepares for a sharp rise in demand and seeks faster, more resilient pathways to market. According to the African Energy Chamber’s (AEC) State of African Energy 2026 Outlook, Africa’s natural gas demand is projected to increase by 60 per cent by 2050, underscoring the urgency of bringing new supply online efficiently and at scale.
Global LNG supply is set to surge by 2030, creating potential oversupply. Africa’s gas demand grows, but infrastructure limits domestic use, keeping exports dominant. Strengthening pipelines, storage, and regional networks is key to capturing local value and reducing market risks.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia stands to benefit from the ongoing shifts in global supply chains - from fair trade to a managed and rule-driven trade model - as it can play a vital role as a connector economy linking Africa with Europe and Asia, said its economy minister.
Masdar, a clean energy leader, and Octopus Energy, an energy tech disruptor, have signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) for initiatives in the UK and Africa. Masdar and Octopus will look to work together to free up hidden capacity across the UK’s distribution network to power the next generation of data centres.
CIMGLOBAL, a leader in association management and Professional Congress Organiser (PCO) services, has announced a major strategic expansion into Africa with the appointment of respected tourism expert Nomasonto Ndlovu as Regional Director.
