The African Energy Chamber (AEC) is set to host the Invest in African Energies investor forum at the Westin Bund Center in Shanghai. This forum will explore new investment opportunities for Chinese companies in Africa’s energy sector, reinforcing the strong trade and economic ties between the two regions.
The event is part of a global series aimed at driving foreign investment into Africa’s energy industry. It will highlight emerging prospects across oil, gas, mining, and renewables while fostering collaboration between Chinese producers, investors, and equipment suppliers. Alongside the forum, AEC representatives will engage with key stakeholders, including government officials, state-owned enterprises, and private sector leaders, to strengthen China-Africa energy partnerships.
Over the past two decades, China has emerged as Africa’s largest bilateral trading partner, with trade volumes reaching $282 billion in 2023. Africa primarily exports fuel, mineral products, and metals to China, while Chinese firms continue expanding their investments across the continent.
Several Chinese energy companies are already deepening their footprint in Africa. Wing Wah, for instance, is leading a $2 billion integrated natural gas project in the Republic of Congo, which aims to monetize gas resources and minimize flaring. This project will produce 30 billion cubic meters of associated gas over 25 years.
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China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) has also been actively investing in Africa. In Angola, the company is assessing investment opportunities in the deepwater Block 24, while in East Africa, it is co-developing the East African Crude Oil Pipeline with TotalEnergies and the national oil companies of Uganda and Tanzania. This $5 billion, 1,443-km pipeline is expected to be operational by 2026. CNOOC is also pursuing exploration activities in Tanzania and South Sudan, as well as conducting drilling projects in West Africa.
Similarly, China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) has a significant presence in Africa. The company played a key role in Mozambique’s Coral South FLNG development, which began LNG exports in 2022. Additionally, CNPC signed a $400 million crude oil supply agreement with Niger in 2024 and is constructing a 1,980-km pipeline to connect Niger’s Agadem Rift Basin with Benin’s Atlantic Oil Terminal. Meanwhile, United Energy Group (UEG) is set to double its oil production in Egypt’s Western Desert following a major acquisition.
Beyond exploration and production, Chinese firms are actively involved in infrastructure development. China National Chemical Engineering is contributing to the construction of Angola’s Lobito Refinery, which will have a 200,000-barrel-per-day capacity. The company has also shown interest in Nigeria’s $20 billion Ogidigben gas project. Through the Belt and Road Initiative, China is facilitating the involvement of more equipment suppliers and infrastructure developers in Africa’s energy sector.
NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of AEC, emphasized China’s vital role in Africa’s energy growth. “China has proven to be a reliable partner for Africa, supporting developments in upstream oil and gas, infrastructure, and renewable energy. The investor forum will enhance these collaborations and create new pathways for investment.”
Looking ahead, the Shanghai forum will serve as a precursor to the African Energy Week (AEW), scheduled for September 29 – October 3, 2025, in Cape Town. As Africa’s premier energy investment conference, AEW 2025 will further explore China’s contribution to the continent’s energy future and its role in advancing sustainable projects.
