Investors, policymakers, and industry leaders are set to converge in Nairobi later this month for the Energy Access Investment Forum (EAIF) 2026, a major gathering aimed at accelerating renewable energy investment and expanding electricity access across Africa.
The forum will be held from April 21 to 24 at the Safari Park Hotel, bringing together stakeholders from both the public and private sectors to explore financing opportunities and partnerships in the clean energy space.
Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, Opiyo Wandayi, said Kenya is honoured to host the forum at a critical time when the continent is intensifying efforts to transition to sustainable energy systems.
“Kenya is proud to host EAIF 2026 at a time when Africa is accelerating its transition to clean, reliable, and inclusive energy systems,” Wandayi said.
“Through strategic partnerships and innovative financing, we are committed to expanding universal energy access in line with our Energy Compact and the Mission 300 initiative.”
He added that the forum offers a crucial platform for aligning stakeholders and mobilising capital.
“Forums such as EAIF provide an important platform to connect governments, investors, and industry leaders to mobilise investment in renewable electrification and advance the clean energy transition that will power sustainable economic growth and improve livelihoods across the continent,” he said.
Organised by the Alliance for Rural Electrification, the event is co-hosted by the European Union under its Global Gateway strategy, with support from GET.invest and patronage from Kenya’s Ministry of Energy and Petroleum.
The annual forum has established itself as a leading platform for advancing renewable electrification, covering key areas such as energy access, productive use of power, and commercial and industrial applications.
Since its inception in 2016, EAIF has played a central role in fostering investment partnerships and driving innovation in Africa’s energy sector.
The European Union also reiterated the importance of the event in driving Africa’s green transition.
EU Ambassador to Kenya, Henriette Geiger, said the bloc is committed to supporting sustainable energy development through strategic collaboration.
“The European Union is proud to co-host EAIF 2026 in Kenya at a key moment to accelerate investment in sustainable energy solutions across Africa. Under the Global Gateway strategy, we are working with partners to mobilise public and private finance, scale innovative business models, and expand access to clean, reliable and affordable energy,” Geiger said.
“EAIF provides a vital platform to turn ambition into concrete projects and partnerships that will drive inclusive growth and support the green transition,” she added.
The four-day programme will feature a series of multi-track sessions from April 21 to 23, including a dedicated mini-grid day, matchmaking sessions organised by GET.invest, and an exhibition showcasing innovations in the sector.
Participants will also attend networking events such as evening receptions and partner-led workshops designed to facilitate collaboration.
A key highlight of this year’s forum is the introduction of a Commercial and Industrial (C&I) Day on April 23.
The new segment will focus on electrification solutions for high-demand sectors including telecommunications, agro-processing, and e-mobility, reflecting growing interest in scaling energy use for economic productivity.
Organisers say the 2026 agenda will spotlight critical priorities shaping the future of renewable electrification, including the role of targeted funding and grants in accelerating progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7), which aims to ensure universal access to affordable and clean energy.
The discussions will also examine innovative financial instruments and risk mitigation strategies to unlock large-scale investment, alongside approaches to strengthen local value chains through manufacturing and skills development in the renewable energy sector.
On April 24, participants will have the option to attend site visits to energy projects, offering practical insights into ongoing initiatives and technologies in the field.
Regional stakeholders are also expected to use the platform to showcase initiatives aimed at improving project readiness.
Assistant Secretary General for Programmes at the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), Mohamed Kadah, said the forum presents an opportunity to highlight the ASCENT Project Preparation Facility.
“The EAIF brings together key stakeholders in the energy sector, providing an excellent opportunity for COMESA to showcase our ASCENT Project Preparation Facility, which will provide technical support to project developers,” Kadah said.
“This will play a pivotal role in shaping well-structured, high-impact energy access initiatives that are ready for financing.”
He added that the initiative aligns with broader regional ambitions.
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