Addis Ababa to Host African Hydropower Symposium With Energy Security Framework Launch

Addis Ababa will host the 36th African Hydro Symposium from November 3-6, 2026, where African institutions are expected to launch a continental energy security policy framework and sign an agreement to expand cooperation on energy-sector skills and institutional capacity.

The African Energy Security Policy Framework is being led by the African Union Commission (AUC), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD) and the African Energy Commission (AFREC), according to the symposium organisers.

A separate memorandum of understanding between the African Union, acting through AFREC, and the Kafue Gorge Regional Training Centre (KGRTC) of Zambia is expected to establish cooperation on training programmes, curriculum development, renewable energy skills, the energy transition, resource mobilisation and knowledge sharing.

The symposium will bring together policymakers, power utilities, project developers, financiers, researchers and energy-sector professionals under the theme “Climate-Resilient Hydropower and Water–Energy Security in Africa”.

Organisers expect between 150 and 180 delegates from Africa, Asia, Europe and other regions to attend the event, which will also feature technical discussions and side events, including one focused on the Grand Inga hydropower project in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Established in 1989, the African Hydro Symposium is a professional platform for exchanging technical knowledge and experience in hydropower development and operations.

The 2026 edition will cover six areas: operations and maintenance; technological innovation; environmental sustainability and climate resilience; project development and financing; policy, institutional development and training; and power markets, grid integration and electricity trading.

The symposium is led by KGRTC, with China's International Centre for Small Hydropower as co-host, alongside Ethiopian hosts and strategic partners.

The planned policy framework and institutional agreement will feature among the event's principal outcomes, as participating organisations seek to strengthen cooperation on energy security, hydropower development and workforce capacity across Africa.

Source: FSX Business News