Investors and decision makers prepare to convene at EAIF 2026 Kenya
26 March 2026, Nairobi – The ARE Energy Access Investment Forum (EAIF) is the top annual investment event, fostering partnerships for the purpose of renewable electrification, including energy access, productive use, commercial & industrial uses of power and the green energy transition. EAIF 2026 will take place at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya from 21 to 24 April 2026.
The Forum is organised by the Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE), co-hosted by the European Union through its Global Gateway strategy, held under the patronage of the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum of Kenya, and supported by GET.invest.
Building on a strong track record since 2016, this special edition of EAIF will bring together private and public investors, industry leaders from the energy and related sectors, utilities, and government officials for an exclusive EAIF experience. The Forum will offer interpretation in both French and English.
EAIF will once again serve as a catalyst for business partnerships and investment in the clean energy sector. Participants will have the opportunity to connect through a diverse range of networking activities, enabling them to exchange ideas, shape future projects and engage directly with potential investors to unlock new financing opportunities.
Hon. J. Opiyo Wandayi, Cabinet Secretary of Ministry of Energy and Petroleum of Kenya, said “Kenya is proud to host EAIF 2026 at a time when Africa is accelerating its transition to clean, reliable, and inclusive energy systems. Through strategic partnerships and innovative financing, we are committed to expanding universal energy access in line with our Energy Compact and the Mission 300 initiative. Forums such as EAIF provide an important platform to connect governments, investors, and industry leaders to mobilise investment in renewable electrification and advance the clean energy transition that will power sustainable economic growth and improve livelihoods across the continent.”
H.E. Henriette Geiger, Ambassador of the European Union to Kenya, said “The European Union is proud to co-host EAIF 2026 in Kenya at a key moment to accelerate investment in sustainable energy solutions across Africa. Under the Global Gateway strategy, we are working with partners to mobilise public and private finance, scale innovative business models, and expand access to clean, reliable and affordable energy. EAIF provides a vital platform to turn ambition into concrete projects and partnerships that will drive inclusive growth and support the green transition.”
From 21 to 23 April, the programme will feature multi-track sessions, including a full mini-grid day, the GET.invest matchmaking, an exhibition, and a dedicated C&I Day focused on commercial and industrial electrification. Participants can also attend two evening receptions and partner-led workshops. On 24 April, optional site visits will be organised for interested participants.
The EAIF 2026 agenda will spotlight the priorities shaping the future of renewable electrification. It will explore how targeted funding and the strategic use of grants can accelerate electricity access and progress towards SDG7, alongside discussions on innovative financial instruments and risk mitigation approaches to unlock investment at scale.
The programme will also delve into financing for productive uses of energy, private sector led grid solutions, public private partnerships, and ways to strengthen local value chains through renewable energy manufacturing and skills development.
For the first time, EAIF will introduce a C&I Day on 23 April. This new addition will convene key stakeholders from across the commercial and industrial space to address the electrification of high-demand sectors such as telecommunications, agro processing, e mobility, and other industrial applications.
“The EAIF brings together key stakeholders in the energy sector, providing an excellent opportunity for COMESA to showcase our ASCENT Project Preparation Facility (PPF), which will provide technical support to project developers, playing a pivotal role in shaping well-structured, high-impact energy access initiatives that are ready for financing. This strategic alignment reinforces our collective ambition to advance renewable electrification, promote productive uses of energy, and accelerate the green transition—ultimately delivering tangible and lasting benefits for communities and industries across the region,” said Ambassador Dr. Mohamed Kadah, Assistant Secretary General (Programmes), COMESA.
The Forum is supported by a range of international partners, financial institutions and private sector organisations. A full list of sponsors and partners is available on the event website.
With more than 500 confirmed on-site delegates, including 130 speakers, 150 investors, and 50 exhibitors, EAIF 2026 is set to be the most impactful edition yet, featuring new announcements, funds, partnerships, and momentum aligned with Mission 300 and Global Gateway priorities.
Only a few spots are still available, but registrations are still open on a first-come-first-serve basis at www.eaif.energy.
Stressing the importance of this key edition, David Lecoque, CEO of ARE said: “EAIF has become a catalyst for turning ambition into investment. At a time when the world must dramatically accelerate electrification efforts, bringing together the right partners and capital is more important than ever. EAIF 2026 will provide a unique platform to unlock the scale of investment needed to achieve universal energy access.”