Taking place March 13, 2025, the Invest in African Energies investor forum will explore new opportunities for Chinese companies in Africa
The upcoming Invest in African Energies investor forum in Shanghai on March 13, 2025, is set to highlight the growing energy partnership between China and Africa. Hosted by the African Energy Chamber (AEC), the forum will serve as a crucial platform for Chinese producers, investors, and equipment suppliers to explore new opportunities across the continent’s dynamic energy landscape. This focus on China-Africa collaboration carries significant implications for Uganda’s burgeoning oil and gas sector, offering potential avenues for investment, infrastructure development, and capacity building.
The forum comes at a time when China’s engagement with Africa has reached unprecedented levels. As the continent’s largest bilateral trading partner, China’s trade volume with Africa reached a staggering $282 billion in 2023. This robust trade relationship extends beyond raw materials, with Chinese firms actively participating in various energy projects across the continent. From upstream exploration and production to downstream infrastructure development, Chinese companies are demonstrating a strong commitment to Africa’s energy sector.
Several high-profile examples underscore this growing partnership. Wing Wah’s $2 billion integrated natural gas project in the Republic of Congo, designed to monetize associated gas and reduce flaring, highlights the potential for Chinese investment in sustainable gas development. State-owned giants like CNOOC and CNPC are also making significant strides. CNOOC’s exploration activities in Angola and its involvement in the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project, connecting Uganda and Tanzania, demonstrate its commitment to large-scale infrastructure development. CNPC’s investments in upstream oil and gas projects, including the Coral South FLNG development in Mozambique and its crude oil supply agreement with Niger, further illustrate the breadth and depth of Chinese involvement.
For Uganda, the focus on China-Africa energy cooperation presents a unique opportunity to accelerate the development of its oil and gas sector. The EACOP project, in which CNOOC plays a key role, is a testament to the potential benefits of this partnership. The pipeline, slated for completion in 2026, will be a game-changer for Uganda, enabling the transportation of its crude oil to international markets and unlocking the country’s vast hydrocarbon potential.
Beyond large-scale infrastructure projects, the Shanghai forum could also open doors for Chinese investment in other areas of Uganda’s oil and gas sector. Chinese companies possess expertise in various aspects of the energy value chain, from exploration and production to refining and distribution. This expertise could be invaluable in supporting Uganda’s efforts to develop its own refining capacity, expand its distribution networks, and build a robust domestic energy market.
Moreover, the forum could facilitate partnerships between Ugandan and Chinese companies, fostering knowledge transfer and capacity building. By collaborating with experienced Chinese firms, Ugandan businesses can gain valuable expertise in project management, engineering, and other technical skills, enhancing their competitiveness and contributing to the sustainable development of the sector.
The timing of the forum is particularly significant, with the G20 summit coming to Africa this year. This global event will undoubtedly shine a spotlight on Africa’s investment potential, and the Shanghai forum provides a timely platform to showcase the continent’s energy opportunities to Chinese investors. As NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC, points out, “Africa is wide open for energy business with Chinese companies, especially with the G20 coming to Africa this year.”
The Invest in African Energies forum in Shanghai serves as a crucial prelude to the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference in Cape Town later this year. AEW 2025 will further delve into the role of China in driving African energy projects, building on the discussions initiated in Shanghai. For Uganda, these events represent a significant opportunity to attract Chinese investment, forge strategic partnerships, and accelerate the development of its oil and gas sector, ultimately contributing to economic growth and energy security. By actively participating in these forums and showcasing its investment potential, Uganda can position itself as a key player in the evolving China-Africa energy landscape.