Enlit Africa 2026 has released its full conference programme, featuring more than 280 speakers across eight specialised tracks, including a new African Nuclear 2.0 session examining developments in the continent’s nuclear energy sector.
The event takes place 19–21 May 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre and is expected to attract over 7,200 attendees and more than 250 exhibitors, making it Africa’s largest gathering of energy and water professionals.
Award-winning business journalist and author Bruce Whitfield will deliver the opening address at the Project & Investment Network Business Breakfast on 19 May, launching three days of strategic sessions, deal-making platforms and technical masterclasses.
African Nuclear 2.0 takes centre stage
One of the major additions to the 2026 programme is the African Nuclear 2.0 session, which explores the shift from nuclear planning to implementation across the continent.
Topics include:
• The 20-year life extension of Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, with Units 1 and 2 now licensed until 2044 and 2045
• Ghana’s progression to Phase 3 of its nuclear programme as it evaluates technology bids from the United States, China and Russia
• The West African Power Pool target of 10 GW regional nuclear capacity
• Deployment readiness of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) across African power grids
New sessions examine transmission and generation
The conference introduces a new Independent Transmission Projects (ITP) session focused on how private investment can address transmission constraints across Africa.
The discussion will feature global case studies including PowerGrid Corporation of India and explore lessons for scaling grid capacity across the continent.
Five Generation Masterclasses will also take place as interactive roundtable sessions covering:
• Gas-to-power
• Nuclear energy
• Hydropower
• Clean coal
• Hydrogen
Another key focus area will explore artificial intelligence in Africa’s power grid, examining real-time analytics, predictive maintenance and digital monitoring technologies already deployed by utilities.
CPD-accredited technical sessions
Conference sessions and Technical Hub sessions on the exhibition floor are CPD-accredited by the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers and the South African Institution of Civil Engineering.
The Technical Hub will host free training across Power, Renewable Energy & Storage, and Water tracks.
Confirmed speakers include industry experts from Eskom, ENGIE South Africa, ACTOM, National Transmission Company South Africa, RenEnergy and Matla Energy.
Co-located industry platforms
Several specialised platforms will run alongside the main conference.
Water Security Africa will feature country playbooks from Namibia’s 55-year potable reuse programme, Uganda’s reduction of non-revenue water from 42% to 32%, and Cape Town’s Day Zero recovery strategies. Industry sessions will also involve Harmony Gold, Heineken, Mediclinic and Growthpoint Properties.
The Project & Investment Network (P&IN) will connect developers, investors, African utility CEOs and development finance institutions through structured matchmaking, ministerial dialogues and project briefings. Over the past two years the platform has facilitated $3 billion in project pitches.
The Utility CEO Forum will bring together more than 35 utility CEOs for off-the-record discussions under Chatham House Rule, focusing on unbundling, prosumer management and financial sustainability.
A Municipal Forum will address challenges faced by South African municipalities, including electricity distribution, metering, revenue management and electrification of informal settlements.
Industry site visits
On 22 May, conference delegates will have the opportunity to visit Koeberg Nuclear Power Station and the V&A Waterfront Desalination Plant.
Pass options and registration
Free expo passes provide access to the exhibition floor, including 250+ exhibitors and CPD-accredited Technical Hub sessions.
Free expo pass registration:
https://vuka.eventsair.com/enlit-africa-2026/expo/Site/Register
Delegate passes start at R15,100 for the Silver package, while P&IN Executive passes cost R32,000 and include access to the Bruce Whitfield Business Breakfast, the Level 2 executive lounge and investor matchmaking.
Early-bird registration closes 3 April 2026.
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