Acwa is participating in AEF 2026 as a Lead Sponsor, underscoring the company’s growing role in Africa’s energy, water and infrastructure landscape. The company’s presence at this year’s forum is centered on a clear message: Africa’s industrialization will require not only new generation capacity, but integrated infrastructure systems that connect power, water, transmission and industrial demand.
The forum theme, “Building Africa’s Industrialized Future,” is closely aligned with Acwa’s view of the continent’s next development phase: one that links energy access with industrial growth, resilient infrastructure, investment mobilization, and long-term economic value creation for a population of more than 1.5 billion people.
A key proof point Acwa will highlight at AEF is its Cooperation Framework with the African Development Bank, signed to accelerate the development and financing of up to USD 5 billion in sustainable energy and water projects across Africa between 2025 and 2030. The framework focuses on renewable energy, desalination and grid-connected power, with a particular emphasis on sub-Saharan Africa and alignment with Mission 300.
Q1. What are you particularly presenting at AEF this year?
A: Our message at AEF 2026 is that Africa’s industrial future depends on integrated infrastructure. It is no longer enough to think only about power generation. Industrial growth requires reliable electricity, water security, transmission connectivity and investment structures that can move projects from ambition to execution. Acwa is at the forum as a Lead Sponsor because we see Africa as a strategic long-term growth market, and we want to contribute practical solutions at scale.
A major example of that commitment is our Cooperation Framework with the African Development Bank, which is designed to accelerate up to USD 5 billion in sustainable energy and water projects across Africa between 2025 and 2030. For us, that is not just an announcement — it is a platform for project development, financing and implementation.
Q2. Your clean energy mix is diversified across Africa being Solar or Green Hydrogen or Wind while others opt to focus on 1 such as Solar: What’s your strategy for future in this regard.
A: At Acwa we do not apply a one-size-fits-all technology model. Acwa’s strategy is based on resource endowments, market needs and long-term system value. Where wind is the most competitive resource, we develop wind. Where solar has the strongest economics, we lead with solar. Where there is strong potential for green hydrogen or desalination, we pursue those opportunities as part of a broader integrated energy and water model.
Globally, Acwa’s portfolio now includes 109 assets across operation, advanced development and construction, representing 95.7 GW of gross power capacity, including 52.3 GW from renewable energy. That scale gives us the flexibility and technical depth to deploy different technologies in different African markets in a disciplined and country-appropriate way.
In North Africa, that includes opportunities around interconnection, green corridors and industrial energy systems. In sub-Saharan Africa, it includes renewable generation, grid-connected solutions and infrastructure that can expand electricity access while supporting industrial development.
Q3. STEM / tech transfer: What’s your strategy in this regard.
A: For Acwa, localization is not only about building assets — it is about building capability. We want our projects to leave behind skilled people, stronger local supply chains, and partnerships that support innovation over the long term. That includes workforce training, engagement with local engineering and EPC partners, and collaboration with research and academic institutions.
This approach is supported by our Innovation Days platform, which concluded its 2026 edition in Riyadh after convening government entities, universities, research institutions, investors and global technology leaders. The event resulted in 27 strategic partnerships spanning advanced green hydrogen, industrial AI, energy storage and desalination, and it will expand internationally to Shanghai later this year.
In Africa, we see strong value in connecting that global innovation platform to local ecosystems. In Morocco, for example, our collaboration with IRESEN is intended to explore innovation opportunities and help advance joint work in renewable energy and green hydrogen. The broader principle is simple: long-term success in Africa must include technology transfer, local capability development and shared value creation.
Q4. Any plan to enter SAF or e-SAF?
A: At this stage, Acwa has not publicly announced a strategy specific to SAF or e-SAF. Our green hydrogen focus remains centered on large-scale projects where green ammonia is the primary export carrier. If that strategy evolves, we will communicate it publicly in due course.