Ghana to Host the 60th Annual General Meeting of the Association of Power Utilities of Africa
In July 2026, Ghana will welcome energy leaders from across the continent for the 60th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Association of Power Utilities of Africa (APUA). The event, held under the patronage of the Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, will take place from July 27 to 31, 2026 at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra.
Event Theme and Objectives
The meeting’s theme — “Accelerating African Electricity Market Integration: Promoting Regulatory Readiness, Regional Market Development and Strategic Partnerships” — reflects the continent’s push toward a unified power market. Delegates will discuss how regulatory frameworks can be harmonized, how cross‑border trade can be expanded, and what role public‑private collaborations play in achieving reliable, affordable electricity for all Africans.
Organising Partners
APUA is collaborating with Ghana’s leading power sector entities:
- Volta River Authority (VRA)
- Bui Power Authority (BPA)
- Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo)
- Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG)
- Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo)
These organisations bring deep operational expertise in generation, transmission, and distribution, ensuring that discussions are grounded in real‑world African utility experience.
Who Will Attend?
Approximately 200 senior executives — including CEOs, managing directors, technical directors, and industry specialists — from APUA member utilities are expected to participate. In addition, representatives from African regional bodies, international development partners, and academia will join the dialogue, providing a multi‑stakeholder perspective on the continent’s energy future.
Key Sessions and Activities
The week‑long agenda features several high‑impact forums:
- Ordinary General Assembly – statutory business of APUA.
- APUA CEOs’ Governance and Leadership Forum – peer‑to‑peer exchange on leadership best practices.
- African Single Electricity Market (AfSEM) Forum – updates on the continental market integration roadmap.
- ANCEE Steering Committee Information Meeting – progress on the African Network of Centres of Excellence in Energy.
- APUA‑IRENA‑UNEZA Capacity Building Session – focus on energy transition, renewable energy deployment, and skills development.
Opening Ceremony
The official opening will be held on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 and streamed live on the social media channels of VRA, APUA, and the partner utilities. This live broadcast aims to increase transparency and allow stakeholders across Africa and beyond to follow the proceedings in real time.
Technical Site Visits
On the final day, July 31, 2026, delegates will undertake technical tours of key power infrastructure sites:
- Akosombo Hydroelectric Power Station (generation)
- Akuse Transmission Substation (grid)
- Tema Power Distribution Centre (distribution)
- Bui Generating Station and associated training facilities
These visits provide hands‑on insight into Ghana’s generation mix, grid management practices, and distribution innovations.
The Role of the Private Sector and Government in Accelerating Industrialization
A dedicated panel will explore how coordinated action between government policymakers and private investors can fast‑track industrial growth through reliable power supply. Topics include:
- Incentive frameworks for renewable energy projects.
- Public‑private partnership models for transmission expansion.
- Financing mechanisms that de‑risk large‑scale infrastructure.
- Capacity‑building initiatives to develop a skilled workforce for modern utilities.
By aligning regulatory clarity with private sector agility, Ghana aims to showcase a replicable model for other African nations seeking to power their industrial ambitions.
Conclusion
The 60th APUA Annual General Meeting in Accra promises to be a pivotal moment for Africa’s power sector. With a clear focus on market integration, regulatory readiness, and strategic partnerships, the gathering will generate actionable insights that can accelerate the continent’s transition to a more interconnected, resilient, and sustainable electricity system. Stakeholders interested in the future of African energy are encouraged to follow the live updates and post‑event publications from APUA and its Ghanaian partners.
