Wale Shonibare
Director, Energy Financial Solutions, Policy & Regulations African Development Bank
Wale Shonibare has over three decades experience spanning Asia, Europe, Middle East and Africa in Investment Banking and Consulting. He joined the African Development Bank (AfDB) in 2017 as the inaugural Director responsible for Energy Financial Solutions, Policy and Regulation. The Financial Solutions team has since established itself as a leading transactions team across Africa, having undertaken several Mandated Lead Arranger roles and facilitated total investment of approximately USD 29 billion in numerous projects ranging from solar PV, concentrated solar, hydro-electric dams, gas-fired power plants, LNG facilities, battery storage solutions and geothermal energy plants. The Policy, Regulation and Statistics team has, under his leadership, launched well-acclaimed flagship initiatives such as the Electricity Regulatory Index to improve the enabling environment for private sector investment in the energy sector. Wale is currently a Non-Executive Director on the Board of the Africa Guarantee Fund, and an Advisory Board Member of the Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund and Inspired Evolution Investment Management respectively. Prior to joining the AfDB, he held various senior management-level positions at Investment Banks and Consulting Organisations in the UK, UAE and Nigeria. Wale holds a B.Eng (hons) in Civil Engineering from Glasgow University and an MBA from Imperial College, University of London.
2026 Agenda Sessions
Powering the future – The World Bank Group’s support to Africa’s minerals and metals
This Industry Intel Session will spotlight the World Bank Group’s minerals and metals approach and its holistic, multisectoral support to Africa’s mining and energy transition priorities. The discussion will explore how Africa’s mineral endowment can be transformed into broad-based and lasting development through responsible exploration and production, improved governance, investment in critical infrastructure, value addition, skills development, and meaningful private-sector engagement.
Through a high-level dialogue between government representatives, industry leaders, investors, and the World Bank Group, the session will examine practical pathways to collaboration and delivery. Panelists will discuss what success looks like from their perspectives, where support is most needed, and how public and private actors can jointly shape competitive, resilient, and inclusive mineral value chains across the continent.
The session will feature a forward-looking conversation informed by real implementation experience, case examples, and market developments. It will help define priorities, highlight opportunities, and reinforce partnerships that position Africa as a leader in the global energy transition.
Monday 09 February 13:45 - 15:15 Serengeti Stage (CTICC2 - Level 3)
This Industry Intel Session will spotlight the World Bank Group’s minerals and metals approach and its holistic, multisectoral support to Africa’s mining and energy transition priorities. The discussion will explore how Africa’s mineral endowment can be transformed into broad-based and lasting development through responsible exploration and production, improved governance, investment in critical infrastructure, value addition, skills development, and meaningful private-sector engagement.
Through a high-level dialogue between government representatives, industry leaders, investors, and the World Bank Group, the session will examine practical pathways to collaboration and delivery. Panelists will discuss what success looks like from their perspectives, where support is most needed, and how public and private actors can jointly shape competitive, resilient, and inclusive mineral value chains across the continent.
The session will feature a forward-looking conversation informed by real implementation experience, case examples, and market developments. It will help define priorities, highlight opportunities, and reinforce partnerships that position Africa as a leader in the global energy transition.
Reframing Africa’s mineral wealth as its strongest currency
WHAT IF Africa’s untapped mining assets were anchored in the idea that mineral wealth is an untapped currency? Could this strategic re- positioning remove the exploration blocker that Africa is struggling with and enable mining companies, investors and governments to fast track the implementation of bold, strategic alliances to open up exploration investment?
Tuesday 10 February 11:05 - 11:45 Table Mountain Stage (CTICC1 - Ground Floor - Exhibition Hall)
Investment
Leadership
WHAT IF Africa’s untapped mining assets were anchored in the idea that mineral wealth is an untapped currency? Could this strategic re- positioning remove the exploration blocker that Africa is struggling with and enable mining companies, investors and governments to fast track the implementation of bold, strategic alliances to open up exploration investment?
Table Mountain Stage (CTICC1 - Ground Floor - Exhibition Hall) Africa/Johannesburg








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