With over 600 million Africans lacking electricity and 900 million without clean cooking, the continent faces a pressing energy challenge. Artificial intelligence is emerging as a key solution, offering ways to modernize infrastructure, reduce project timelines and expand access.

At the upcoming African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference, set for Sept. 29–Oct. 3, 2025, a panel featuring experts from Microsoft Energy and S&P Global will explore how AI is reshaping energy systems across Africa. Topics include bridging data gaps, overcoming regulatory hurdles, and developing context-specific AI rooted in African realities.

AI is already showing impact. In Kenya, the national utility has cut energy losses by 30% using machine learning to detect power theft and optimize load management. In South Africa, Eskom is using AI to monitor the grid and improve efficiency.

Microgrids powered by AI are helping deliver electricity to remote communities, bypassing the need for expansive transmission networks. Notable 2025 projects include Zambia’s Ruida Mining Microgrid and South Africa’s hybrid microgrid from SANY Silicon Energy.

AI also supports renewable energy integration, helping utilities manage the intermittency of sources like solar and wind. Zimbabwe added 75 MW of net-metered solar to its grid this year and plans to reach 2,100 MW in renewables by 2030.

“AI is not a foreign concept – it’s a powerful local opportunity,” said NJ Ayuk, executive chairman of the African Energy Chamber. “We can create a smarter, inclusive energy ecosystem rooted in African data and needs.”