Chris Wright, US Secretary of Energy, will return to the Powering Africa Summit, taking place in Washington, DC on 19-20 March, to take part in conversations surrounding energy access and clean cooking.
The Powering Africa Summit (PAS) will convene under the theme ‘Powering the US-Africa Partnership: Energy Infrastructure, Critical Minerals & Investment Strategies’.
Building on last year’s focus, PAS 2026 will analyse how US foreign policy is transforming under the current administration, including through investment-led commercial diplomacy.
This year’s theme shines a light on the progress since PAS 2025 and the role of reciprocal agreements in advancing critical minerals development and increasing trade between the US and Africa.
In 2025, US goods trade with Africa totalled an estimated US$83.4 billion ($118.26 billion). The nation’s goods export to Africa totalled US$40.4 billion in 2025, representing a 24.8% increase from 2024 which totalled US$8 billion.
Having provided a keynote address and participated in a fireside chat at the 10th anniversary PAS 2025, Wright will again join policymakers and industry leaders at this year’s summit to discuss US-Africa cooperation across energy infrastructure, critical minerals and investment strategies.
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) Managing Director Makhtar Diop will be in attendance and provide welcome remarks at this year’s summit, alongside Adam Cortese, CEO of renewable energy solutions specialist Sun Africa, who will provide the summit sponsor welcome address.
Cortese says Secretary Wright’s continued engagement underscores the growing commitment to practical, investment-driven solutions that expand energy access and unlock opportunities in critical minerals and infrastructure.
“We look forward to meaningful dialogue with ministers, policymakers, and industry partners to advance win-win initiatives grounded in pragmatism and profitability, ensuring sustainable success that will withstand the test of time,” Cortese says.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: EnergyNet
