Regulatory barriers affecting cross-border electricity projects and energy investment in Africa will come under scrutiny at the Africa Energy Indaba scheduled for March 2-4, 2027, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
A session on policy alignment will examine differences in licensing regimes, procurement frameworks, tariff methodologies, power purchase agreements, grid access rules and approval processes across African markets.
Inconsistent regulatory requirements can delay projects, increase development costs and reduce investor confidence, says Africa Energy Indaba Managing Director Liz Hart.
“Africa has no shortage of energy opportunities or investment interest. What investors consistently seek is certainty. Creating greater consistency in policy and regulatory frameworks across the continent will help accelerate investment decisions, reduce development timelines and make regional energy infrastructure projects significantly more attractive.”
The discussion will cover the expansion of regional power pools, cross-border transmission development, electricity trading and streamlined permitting. It will also consider the roles of independent regulators, regional economic communities and continental institutions in improving cooperation between jurisdictions.
The investment environment for independent power producers, transmission developers and other energy infrastructure investors will be another focus area. Participants will consider how greater regulatory consistency could reduce project risk, improve bankability and encourage participation by private investors, institutional capital and development finance institutions.
The role of harmonised standards and regulatory coordination in deploying battery energy storage systems, green hydrogen, smart grids and digital energy platforms will also be included in the session.
