U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright to attend Powering Africa Summit 2026

U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright is scheduled to return to the Powering Africa Summit (PAS) in Washington, D.C. on March 19-20, 2026, to participate in a fireside chat focusing on energy access and clean cooking. The summit's theme is 'Powering the US-Africa Partnership: Energy Infrastructure, Critical Minerals & Investment Strategies,' building on the previous year's focus on the US-Africa Energy Partnership.

Key points

• Secretary Wright previously gave a keynote address at the 10th anniversary PAS in 2025.
• Discussions will cover US-Africa cooperation on energy infrastructure, critical minerals, and investment strategies.
• Key sessions will explore large-scale infrastructure investment, guarantees, financing, and US-Africa gas strategies for energy security.
• Confirmed attendees include Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung of Liberia and Ministers from Ethiopia and Ghana.
• Makhtar Diop, Managing Director of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), will give welcome remarks.
• Sponsors include Sun Africa (Summit Sponsor) and Petrodex (Lead Sponsor).

Why it matters

The event highlights the ongoing commitment to practical, investment-driven solutions for expanding energy access in Africa, with high-level representation from US government agencies and African nations.