Addis Ababa, 13 October 2026: The 36th African Hydro Symposium (AHS2026) will take place in Addis Ababa from 3–6 November 2026, with two major outcomes expected to advance Africa’s energy security and capacity-development agenda: the launch of the African Energy Security Policy Framework, led by the AUC, ECA, AUDA-NEPAD and AFREC, and the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the African Union, acting through AFREC and KGRTC.
The MOU will establish a framework for cooperation in capacity development and institutional strengthening, training programmes and curricula, renewable energy skills, energy transition, joint events and strategic forums, resource mobilisation, and knowledge sharing.
The symposium will bring together policymakers, utilities, developers, financiers, researchers and energy-sector professionals under the major theme “Climate-Resilient Hydropower and Water–Energy Security in Africa.” Hosting impactful side events like the Grand Inga side event.
Established in 1989, the African Hydro Symposium is Africa’s longest-running professional hydropower platform, providing a trusted forum for practical knowledge exchange and peer learning. AHS2026 will focus on six key areas:
- Operations, Maintenance & Performance
- Innovation & Future-Oriented Solutions
- Sustainability, Environment & Climate Resilience
- Project Development & Financing
- Policy & Institutional Development, Training and Capacity Building
- Power Markets, Grid Integration & Energy Trading
“We look forward to bringing Africa’s hydropower community together in Addis Ababa to share practical experience, strengthen partnerships and advance solutions that support climate resilience and water–energy security across the continent,” African Hydro Symposium Secretariat.
The symposium is expected to attract 150–180+ delegates from Africa, Asia, Europe and beyond. AHS2026 is led by the Kafue Gorge Regional Training Centre (KGRTC), Zambia, with the International Centre for Small Hydropower (ICSHP), China, as co-host, alongside key Ethiopian hosts and strategic partners.
Registration Link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=gQcTLDsl30OdE5ake2RLTAeWsb58C1FBmQRMA8FYA51UOVRZNFFXMUlZWEZBNUVVRVdCSVdHNVJMUC4u&route=shorturl
About the African Hydro Symposium
Established in 1989, the African Hydro Symposium is Africa’s longest-running professional hydropower platform, bringing together utilities, policymakers, developers, financiers and researchers to advance hydropower development through knowledge exchange, practical experience and peer learning. Kindly add the Website link.
About the Economic Commission for Africa
Established by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations (UN) in 1958 as one of the UN’s five regional commissions, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa’s (ECA’s) mandate is to promote the economic and social development of its Member States, foster intraregional integration and promote international cooperation for Africa’s development. ECA is made up of 54 Member States and plays a dual role as a regional arm of the UN and as a key component of the African institutional landscape. For more information, visit: www.uneca.org
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Sophia Denekew
Media Relations
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Economic Commission for Africa
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Email: eca-info@un.org
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ESG360 Africa
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African Hydro Symposium Secretariat – KGRTC
Website: www.kgrtc.org.zm