As Africa seeks to accelerate energy investment, strengthen electricity security and unlock economic growth, the development and financing of independent power projects has become increasingly critical. Yet regulatory uncertainty, financing constraints, grid access limitations and evolving electricity market structures continue to present significant challenges to bringing new energy projects to market.
These pressing issues will take centre stage at the IPP & PPA Conference 2027, taking place on 4 March 2027 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), as an official thematic event of Africa Energy Indaba 2027.
The conference will bring together independent power producers (IPPs), project developers, investors, financiers, utilities, energy traders, regulators and corporate energy buyers to examine the barriers and opportunities shaping Africa’s rapidly evolving private power market. With growing demand for reliable and competitively priced electricity, private-sector investment is playing an increasingly important role in expanding Africa’s generation capacity. However, developing bankable projects requires more than capital. Clear regulatory frameworks, commercially viable power purchase agreements (PPAs), effective risk allocation and access to transmission infrastructure are essential to attracting investment and accelerating project implementation.
A central focus of the conference will be Africa’s transition from traditional electricity procurement models towards more competitive and liberalised power markets. Discussions will explore the implications of South Africa’s Wholesale Electricity Market (SAWEM), open-access frameworks and emerging opportunities for independent generators and electricity traders.
The rapid expansion of corporate PPAs will also feature prominently, particularly as mining companies, manufacturers, data centres and other energy-intensive industries seek greater electricity security and price certainty. Innovative contracting structures, including virtual PPAs, sleeved PPAs and multi-buyer procurement models, will be examined as mechanisms for unlocking new investment.
Another critical area of discussion will be electricity wheeling and cross-border power trading. With Africa’s energy resources unevenly distributed, strengthening regional power pools and enabling electricity trade across national borders could unlock significant opportunities for investment, energy security and regional economic integration.
The growing importance of battery energy storage and hybrid renewable energy projects will also be explored. As solar and wind generation expand, developers and financiers must consider new commercial structures that incorporate storage, capacity payments and multiple revenue streams to improve project bankability.
Financing remains one of the most significant challenges facing African energy developers. The conference will examine practical approaches to mobilising capital, including blended finance, development finance institution support, political risk insurance, currency risk mitigation and greater participation from institutional investors.
The IPP & PPA Conference aims to move the conversation beyond identifying challenges towards practical solutions that can accelerate project development, strengthen investor confidence and unlock Africa’s private power potential.
As part of Africa Energy Indaba 2027, taking place from 2–4 March, the conference provides a focused platform for stakeholders to engage on the commercial, regulatory and financial frameworks required to deliver Africa’s next generation of energy projects.
