The Nigerian Association for Energy Economics (NAEE) has announced that its 19th International Conference will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, investors and academics to address Africa’s evolving energy mix and transition challenges.

With the theme “Evolution of energy mix in Africa: the role of technology, economics and public policy,” the event would be held from April 26 to 29 at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Speaking at a press briefing, President of NAEE, Hassan Mahmud, said the event comes at a time when Africa faces a defining moment in the global energy transition, with vast hydrocarbon resources, growing renewable energy potential and increasing energy demand across the continent.

He said: “At a time of profound global energy transition, Africa stands at a defining crossroads. The pathway forward is not simply about replacing one energy source with another; it is about strategically evolving our energy mix in a way that is pragmatic, inclusive and development-oriented.”

Mahmud noted that the conference would focus on balancing energy security, affordability and sustainability, while also examining the role of emerging technologies and the need for sound economic frameworks and public policies to attract investment and drive industrialisation.

He said delegates would also visit the Dangote Refinery as part of the programme, where they would engage in technical discussions and gain firsthand insight into the facility’s operations.

According to him, the conference will attract key stakeholders across the energy value chain, including government officials, regulators, private sector players and young professionals presenting research and innovative ideas.

Speaking on the relevance of the conference, Mahmud said discussions would address how Africa can optimise its existing fossil fuel resources while transitioning to cleaner energy in a structured and transparent manner.

“We are saying yes, we have the potential of fossil fuels. How do we optimise the use of that to effectively transition to cleaner, greener energy? It has to be a structured movement and it has to be on our own terms,” he said.

He stressed that Africa’s contribution to global carbon emissions remains low, yet the continent faces increasing pressure to decarbonise without adequate financing and technology support.

“The conversation must shift from energy transition as a constraint to energy transition as an opportunity, an opportunity to unlock growth, build resilient systems and lift millions out of energy poverty,” he added.