The second African Energy Forum kicked off in Tunis on September 23, 2026, with over 200 participants from African, European, and Mediterranean countries in attendance. The forum, organized by the Tunisian Energy Professionals Association, aims to bring together experts, business leaders, and policymakers to discuss energy cooperation and investment opportunities. This year's theme is "Leadership and Cooperation for a Secure and Sustainable Energy Future."
The forum takes place amid significant global energy market turbulence, particularly for energy-importing countries facing increasing challenges in securing their energy needs. According to Hicham Ben Mansour, president of the Tunisian Energy Professionals Association, the event provides a platform for experts to share experiences and explore cooperation and investment opportunities in various energy fields. The forum focuses on renewable energy, clean energy, and hydrocarbon exploration and production.
Ben Mansour emphasized the importance of addressing Tunisia's energy deficit, which poses a significant burden on the state's finances. He highlighted the need to develop national production, diversify energy sources, and improve energy efficiency to reduce consumption and optimize resource utilization. The association aims to contribute to this effort by providing expertise, studies, and proposals, as well as facilitating dialogue among stakeholders.
The African continent is rich in energy resources, and demand for African gas and oil is expected to rise in the coming years, not only from Europe but also from Asian countries. Ben Mansour noted that this growing interest in African energy presents an opportunity for Tunisia, despite its limited natural resources, due to its strategic geographic location and proximity to Europe. Tunisia's energy sector can benefit from projects such as the electrical interconnection with Italy.
The forum features participants from several countries, including Libya, Senegal, Egypt, and Mauritania, reflecting its importance as a platform for exchanging experiences and exploring cooperation opportunities. Azeddine Khalfa, an international energy consultant, emphasized that the forum provides a valuable opportunity for Tunisian and foreign experts to share knowledge and discuss solutions to common energy challenges.
Khalfa highlighted Tunisia's need to continue exploring and producing hydrocarbons, as well as accelerating renewable energy projects to achieve its targets. He noted that Tunisia aims to increase the share of renewable energy in its electricity mix to 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2035. Several large-scale renewable energy projects have been launched in recent years, with a total capacity exceeding 300 megawatts.
The forum's discussions focus on addressing energy challenges, promoting cooperation, and identifying investment opportunities. The event aims to bring together African and Mediterranean energy stakeholders to explore ways to enhance energy security, promote sustainable development, and foster economic growth in the region. Key outcomes from the forum are expected to contribute to the development of effective energy strategies and policies in Tunisia and beyond.
Key points
- The second African Energy Forum in Tunis brings together over 200 participants to discuss energy cooperation and investment opportunities.
- The forum focuses on renewable energy, clean energy, and hydrocarbon exploration and production to address energy challenges in Africa.
- Tunisia aims to increase the share of renewable energy in its electricity mix to 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2035.
