Top financial leaders in Africa’s oil, gas and energy sectors will take center stage at the Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025 Forum (www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com/) in Paris, offering strategic insights on funding opportunities and the pivotal role of finance in advancing the continent’s energy transition. Scheduled for May 13-14, 2025, the event will explore investment strategies, emerging market dynamics and financing solutions needed to unlock Africa’s vast energy potential. Featured speakers include:
- Liz Williamson, Head of Energy Corporate Finance, Rand Merchant Bank
- Admassu Tadesse, Group President & Managing Director, Trade Development Bank
- Taiwo Okwor, Vice President, Investment, Africa Finance Corporation
Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) continues to play a key role in financing energy and infrastructure projects across Africa, supporting the continent’s energy transition. In partnership with the European Investment Bank, RMB’s holding company, FirstRand Bank, recently launched a €400 million initiative to expand renewable energy projects in South Africa, enhancing clean energy supply, reducing carbon emissions and creating jobs.
IAE 2025 (https://apo-opa.co/3C1xE4G) is an exclusive forum designed to facilitate investment between African energy markets and global investors. Taking place May 13-14, 2025 in Paris, the event offers delegates two days of intensive engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, please visit www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.
The Trade and Development Bank (TDB) has spearheaded numerous high-impact financing projects that strengthen energy infrastructure and promote sustainability across Africa. Notable initiatives include a $150 million Trade Finance Risk Participation Agreement with the African Development Bank to boost intra-African trade and regional integration, expected to support $1.8 billion in trade over three years. Additionally, TDB secured a $100 million facility from British International Investment to finance essential imports and exports for African markets.
Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) remains at the forefront of large-scale infrastructure financing, focusing on critical energy projects that support the transition to cleaner energy sources. Earlier this month, the AFC announced plans to invest over $3 billion in 2025, with priority initiatives including a transnational railway connecting Zambia’s mines to Angola’s Port of Lobito, as well as investments in renewable energy, electrification, agriculture and eco-tourism to boost regional development. The upcoming forum is set to explore how Africa’s energy market is evolving and the innovative financing solutions required to support large-scale energy projects, especially in the oil and gas sector.
Africa Fact: African market is currently highly fragmented, but the trend is towards integration.
Indigo Red
Richard Maponya – Despite the many obstacles of the Apartheid government, Richard Maponya became a beacon of hope to the people of Soweto, starting several successful business in the area (predominantly in the retail and property space). He recently helped to develop Maponya Mall, which is one of the largest shopping centers in the country.