By: Energy capital & power

The U.S.-Africa Energy Forum (USAEF) is set to welcome a slate of high-level private sector executives to this year’s edition in Houston, spotlighting the growing engagement of U.S.-based firms in Africa’s energy investment landscape. Speakers include Ryan Manicom, Founder and CEO of Freedom First; Ileana Ferber, CEO and Founder of Colibri Business Development; Doug Sheridan, Managing Director at EnergyPoint Research; Yolanda Asumu, CEO of ICUBEFARM; and Jonathan Tyler, CEO of Symphony Capital.

Representing firms active in capital deployment, human capital development, market intelligence and business advisory, these speakers reflect the diversity of U.S. commercial interest in Africa’s energy transition and infrastructure buildout.

Their participation comes as Africa seeks to attract more private capital into upstream oil and gas, midstream infrastructure and emerging renewable energy projects. While the continent faces financing gaps across these segments, U.S. firms are increasingly seen as critical partners – not only for capital but also for technical expertise, institutional capacity and long-term partnership models. With Freedom First and Symphony Capital focused on mobilizing investment in underserved markets, and companies like ICUBEFARM and Colibri helping connect businesses with skilled labor and local stakeholders, these firms play a key role in translating interest into tangible development outcomes.

USAEF serves as a platform for strengthening energy and economic ties between the U.S. and African nations. This year’s forum will place particular emphasis on enabling bankable projects, improving energy access and fostering U.S. involvement in infrastructure that supports Africa’s industrial growth. Private sector participants, particularly those with on-the-ground experience, will provide insights into what it takes to navigate regulatory complexity, build local partnerships and align projects with global energy and climate goals.

The presence of research leaders like EnergyPoint Research also points to a broader market shift toward data-driven decision-making and performance benchmarking in African energy. As the continent competes globally for energy investment, transparency and investor confidence are increasingly important factors. The inclusion of market analytics and business development leaders at USAEF highlights how project success depends on not only financing, but also ecosystem support, local capacity and long-term commitment.

With momentum building behind the African energy sector – from recent discoveries and LNG developments to clean power innovations – USAEF 2025 offers a critical meeting point for American companies and African stakeholders to forge new commercial pathways. The confirmed lineup of private sector speakers underscores the forum’s role as a catalyst for dealmaking, strategic dialogue and investment mobilization between the two regions.

For tickets, sponsorship opportunities and more information, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com or visit usafricaenergy.com. Join us in Houston to connect with the leaders shaping Africa’s energy landscape and experience the momentum that drives ECP’s events worldwide.