NAEE summit to address Africa’s energy security
Policymakers, industry leaders and global experts will converge in Lagos for the 19th edition of the Nigerian Association for Energy Economics (NAEE) which begins today. The four days conference which
Policymakers, industry leaders and global experts will converge in Lagos for the 19th edition of the Nigerian Association for Energy Economics (NAEE) which begins today. The four days conference which has as its theme: “Evolution of Energy Mix in Africa:The Role of Technology, Economics and Public policy,” is aimed at shaping Africa’s evolving energy landscape amid shifting global dynamics.
Speaking at a media briefing to announce the conference, the President of NAEE, Hassan Mahmud, said the conference comes at a critical time when the continent faces rising energy demand alongside global pressure for cleaner energy transition.
He noted that Africa, despite contributing less than four per cent of global carbon emissions, is under increasing pressure to decarbonise, often without adequate financing and technological support.
“At a time of profound global energy transition, Africa stands at a defining crossroads. The pathway forward is not simply about replacing one energy source with another, but evolving our energy mix in a way that is pragmatic, inclusive and development-oriented,” he said.
According to him, the conference will address key issues including balancing energy security, affordability and sustainability, as well as the role of emerging technologies such as renewable energy, storage systems and digital innovations in shaping the continent’s future energy systems.
He added that the forum would also explore how economic frameworks and public policies can accelerate investment, industrialisation and job creation across Africa.
Mahmoud emphasised that the event would feature high-level plenary sessions, technical discussions on energy market reforms, investment showcases, and strategic dialogues aimed at producing actionable policy recommendations for governments and institutions.
“This is not just another conference; it is a platform for shaping Africa’s energy future, grounded in evidence and driven by collaboration,” he said.
On the impact of previous editions, NAEE leaders said the annual conference has served as a policy think-tank, influencing reforms in Nigeria’s energy sector through research publications, communiqués, and stakeholder engagements.
Former NAEE President, Professor Yinka Omorogbe, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) noted that discussions from past conferences have contributed to major policy directions, including subsidy reforms, energy pricing efficiency, and the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
He added that delegates at the conference would visit the refinery, described as the world’s largest single-train facility, to gain firsthand insight into its operations and role in enhancing regional energy security.
The NAEE president further revealed that the conference would attract a wide range of participants, including regulators, private sector executives, academics, and young professionals, all contributing to discussions on achieving a balanced and sustainable energy transition for Africa.
He urged the media and stakeholders to actively participate in amplifying the outcomes of the conference, noting that sustained engagement is key to translating dialogue into policy action.
“We look forward to welcoming the world to Lagos as we collectively chart a realistic and inclusive energy future for Africa,” Mahmoud said.
