Microsoft will lead an AI and cloud-focused masterclass during the Renegade Intel platform at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, taking place in Cape Town from October 12–16. Titled Microsoft Masterclass: AI & Data Adoption for African Energy Companies, the session will be led by Microsoft Corporate Vice President for Energy Darryl Willis alongside industry participants, and will focus on practical approaches to adopting Microsoft Azure across upstream, power and renewable energy operations.
According to the event briefing, the masterclass will cover how cloud computing, advanced analytics and connected infrastructure can support real-time production monitoring, predictive maintenance and drilling optimisation. It will also address the use of high-performance computing on Azure for workloads such as seismic processing and basin modelling, citing emerging exploration interest including the Orange Basin.
The agenda also links rising demand for AI-ready compute with energy infrastructure planning in Africa. The release points to the City of Cape Town’s approval earlier this month of two hyperscale data centers with a combined planned electricity demand of 174 MW, positioning data centers as long-term baseload consumers that can influence grid modernisation, wheeling arrangements and resilience investments.
On the power side, Microsoft’s session is set to discuss predictive analytics, smart meters and connected infrastructure for anticipating transmission constraints and balancing generation across gas, hydro and renewables. It will also reference Azure Data Manager for Energy for carbon accounting and emissions reporting, as well as virtual power plants for coordinating distributed solar and battery assets, in the context of grid stability and regional electricity markets.
Cybersecurity and regulatory compliance are also expected to feature, including how “localized Azure environments support compliance with national data sovereignty requirements” and the role of Microsoft Sentinel and Azure Defender for IoT in protecting industrial control systems and critical energy infrastructure. The release further notes recent regional cloud connectivity moves, including Cassava Technologies’ designation in July of its Johannesburg facility—through Africa Data Centres and Liquid C2—as a Microsoft Azure ExpressRoute Metro peering location.
“Artificial intelligence is transforming every part of the energy value chain, from exploration and production to electricity delivery and infrastructure management. The Microsoft Masterclass will provide practical insights into how African energy companies can deploy these technologies to improve performance, strengthen resilience and support long-term growth,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber.
