Hosts: Co-hosted by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the International Hydropower Association (IHA)

Background

Africa is home to over 60% of the world’s untapped hydropower potential, yet only a fraction of this resource has been harnessed to support energy access, economic growth, and climate resilience. As the continent strives to achieve its energy transition and universal electricity access goals under SDG 7 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, hydropower remains a critical enabler, not only as a clean and renewable energy source but also as a catalyst for industrial development, regional integration, and grid stability.

Despite its vast potential, hydropower development in Africa faces a range of barriers — from financing and permitting bottlenecks to fragmented policy frameworks and limited regional cooperation. In response, the International Hydropower Association (IHA) and African Development Bank (AfDB) are convening this high-level panel session to propose a coherent and actionable roadmap that accelerates the pace and improves the quality of hydropower development across the continent.

The Panel session will cover:

• Overview of key global trends in hydropower
  
• Analysis of the hydropower outlook in Africa including:
  • The growing role of private investment and public–private partnerships
  • Advancements in regional cooperation
  • Policy and market barriers that are slowing the pace of development
  • Potential for modernisation to expand capacity and improve efficiency
  • Need for storage and global developments on pumped storage
• Insights into key projects recently commissioned and in the development pipeline
• The Abuja Action Plan for Sustainable Hydropower in Africa

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Speakers:

• Daniel Schroth, Director of Renewable Energy, African Development Bank – (Moderator)
• Anton-Louis Olivier, CEO, Serengeti Energy Group and Chair, IHA Board
• Carlos Yum, Head of Mphanda Nkuwa Hydroelectric Project Implementation Office
• Hauwa Abdullahi Kassim, Africa Regional Lead, International Hydropower Association
• Jean Madzongwe, Programmes Manager, Southern African Power Pool (SAPP)
• Muyenga Muyenga, Project Leader, Baynes Binational Hydro, Lower Cunene Hydropower
• Laurent Margaria, Vice President and Head of Business Development, Tractebel Engie