A dedicated panel on “Enhancing Midstream Infrastructure Reliability” at the Invest in African Energy (IAE) Forum in Paris on April 22–23, 2026 will examine how artificial intelligence (AI), predictive analytics and data integration can transform the continent’s energy logistics. The session, part of the forum’s AI Forum within the Strategic Track, will showcase practical, data-driven solutions to improve reliability and cost efficiency across midstream systems.

Recent developments across West Africa highlight the urgency of this discussion. In Nigeria, the commissioning of Green Energy International’s onshore crude export terminal at Otakikpo – the first indigenous facility of its kind in over 50 years – added 750,000 barrels of storage and throughput of up to 360,000 barrels per day. Meanwhile, the Niger–Benin Oil Pipeline, nearly 2,000 kilometers long, resumed exports in 2024 after earlier security disruptions, reinforcing the importance of resilient pipeline networks in regional export strategies. As these assets scale, performance increasingly depends on integrated monitoring, real-time data and predictive maintenance – areas where AI can significantly enhance stability, safety and cost control.

In Central and East Africa, the ongoing development of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) – designed to transport 216,000 barrels per day from Uganda’s Tilenga and Kingfisher fields to the port of Tanga, Tanzania – further underscores the need for data-centric reliability strategies. Although construction milestones are being met, the operational phase will require sophisticated maintenance and monitoring across diverse terrain and climates. Intelligent asset management platforms can optimize predictive maintenance, reduce downtime and enhance safety across these extensive networks.

Broader regional reforms and investment momentum make the conversation even more timely. Regulatory improvements in Nigeria and Angola have unlocked new capital, with African producers targeting billions in upstream and midstream investment over the next decade. In Angola, a reported $70 billion investment pipeline includes deepwater developments and associated infrastructure that depend on reliable transport and processing systems to achieve full commercial potential. As investments scale, so does the need for robust operational frameworks that ensure continuity and predictability.

Operational reliability is not just about cutting costs; it underpins energy security, export competitiveness and investor confidence. Africa’s limited pipelines, storage and transport networks continue to constrain revenue, with Deloitte’s Africa Oil & Gas Outlook 2025 noting that these gaps raise costs, extend project timelines and deter investment. By adopting predictive analytics and AI-driven monitoring, operators can shift maintenance from a reactive burden to a proactive value driver, reducing outages and strengthening the business case for future midstream investment.

The IAE 2026 Forum is a vital platform for these discussions, bringing together government leaders, national and international oil company executives, investors, technology innovators, and regulators. Within the Strategic Track’s AI Forum, the Enhancing Midstream Infrastructure Reliability panel will give participants practical insights into the intersection of energy and advanced technologies, moving beyond theory to real-world applications that can improve performance and attract investment.

For investors and operators, the panel will highlight why midstream reliability deserves heightened attention in Africa’s energy agenda and how AI innovation can bridge critical gaps and improve competitiveness. As African nations pursue ambitious production and export targets, leveraging AI for operational excellence may be the difference between unrealized potential and sustained growth.

IAE 2026 is an exclusive forum designed to connect African energy markets with global investors, serving as a key platform for deal-making in the lead-up to African Energy Week. Scheduled for April 22–23, 2026, in Paris, the event will provide delegates with two days of in-depth engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, visit www.invest-africa-energy.com. To sponsor or register as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com