African oil summit returns to Windhoek
The International African Energy Oil and Gas Summit (IAEGOS) 2026 will be held in Windhoek after organisers announced that the event has been moved from Doha, Qatar, citing instability in the Middle East.
The announcement was made in London on Saturday, 25 July.
The annual summit was originally scheduled to take place in Doha but will now return to the Namibian capital, where it was successfully hosted at the Hilton Hotel in 2025.
Middle East instability
Organisers said the decision followed a review of current developments and was made to ensure the safety and security of delegates, exhibitors and partners.
"Due to the prevailing instability in the Middle East, relocating to Windhoek provides a more stable and conducive environment for the high-level engagements IAEGOS is known for," the organising committee said.
The dates remain unchanged, with the summit scheduled to take place from 21 to 25 October.
This year's theme, "Igniting Africa's Energy and Land Governance Future", also remains unchanged, along with the conference programme, speaker line-up and exhibition plans.
Back in Windhoek
According to organisers, Windhoek offers world-class conference facilities and the hospitality for which Namibia is known.
"We are working closely with the Government of the Republic of Namibia and local partners to ensure a smooth transition and an outstanding summit experience," the organisers said.
They added that all registrations, sponsorships and exhibitor bookings would automatically be transferred to the new venue. Delegates will receive updated travel, accommodation and visa information directly.
Organisers said the summit remains committed to promoting dialogue, investment and partnerships across Africa's energy sector and expressed confidence that Windhoek would once again provide a successful host city.
Growing international platform
According to organisers, IAEGOS has become one of Africa's leading energy platforms and, now in its fourth edition, is expected to attract more than 2,500 delegates from over 100 countries. Participants are expected to include government ministers, chief executives, investors, regulators and industry leaders.
The 2026 theme reflects what organisers describe as Africa's "energy paradox" – a continent rich in oil, gas, renewable energy resources and critical minerals, yet one where more than 600 million people still lack reliable access to electricity.
They say the summit aims to translate Africa's energy potential into investment and practical action.
Investment and land governance
Organisers describe this year's summit as an investment platform rather than simply a conference.
The programme will focus on attracting investment, aligning policy and advancing projects across the oil, gas, electricity and renewable energy sectors. Planned sessions include ministerial and chief executive-level discussions, investment showcases, project finance roundtables and closed-door meetings with investors.
Land governance will feature prominently for the first time, with organisers saying greater regulatory certainty is needed to encourage investment while supporting responsible resource development.
Topics on the agenda include investment protection, environmental, social and governance (ESG) regulation, petroleum and renewable energy legislation, licensing transparency, data governance, dispute resolution and regional energy integration.
"Harmonisation is not about exporting laws across borders; it is about aligning core principles," the organisers said.
Organisers also said the summit is expected to facilitate more than US$10 billion in clean energy investment commitments.
