The African Energy Chamber urges the industry to resist increasing opposition from Western organizations that threaten the economic growth opportunities presented by Africa’s oil and gas sector.
Africa’s oil and gas industry—essential for expanding energy access, advancing industrialization, driving economic growth, and achieving sustainable development—faces mounting resistance from environmental groups and financial institutions aiming to weaken its potential. With over 600 million people lacking reliable energy, the continent must prioritize hydrocarbon development while promoting local content initiatives that bring direct benefits to African communities.
As the representative body for Africa’s energy sector, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) remains dedicated to advocating for the industry’s role in eliminating energy poverty. With external opposition intensifying, the AEC calls for unwavering support from the industry to connect African opportunities with global investment and unlock the continent’s socioeconomic potential. Through events like the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference—scheduled for September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town—the AEC will continue driving investment, advancing oil and gas projects, and defending Africa’s interests in global energy discussions.
Several pivotal projects aimed at strengthening Africa’s energy sector have faced opposition. Global energy giant Shell’s seismic survey campaign off South Africa’s Wild Coast—designed to explore and utilize the country’s untapped oil and gas reserves—has been met with resistance. Likewise, the East African Crude Oil Pipeline, which aims to improve energy security and economic growth, has encountered significant pushback. Efforts by the AEC to link African energy opportunities with international investors are increasingly being challenged.
With support from industry stakeholders, the AEC remains committed to empowering Africans, fostering local content growth, and highlighting the continent’s immense energy potential. Fossil fuels are projected to constitute over 60% of Africa’s energy mix by 2040, reaffirming their essential role in meeting rising energy demands. In this regard, the upcoming AEW: Invest in African Energies conference will unite global financiers and African stakeholders to accelerate investment, eradicate energy poverty, and strengthen local content initiatives.
Under the theme Positioning Africa as the Global Energy Champion, AEW: Invest in African Energies will facilitate partnerships and collaborations to reinforce Africa’s energy future. The event has historically played a crucial role in securing deals across Africa’s energy sector. In 2024, transformative agreements were signed, including the African Export-Import Bank’s $16.8 million loan to support crude oil evacuation in Nigeria and a $10 million trade finance deal with Dorman Long Engineering. Additionally, the Republic of Congo’s National Oil Company SNPC partnered with Azerbaijan’s national oil company to enhance the CORAF Refinery. Building on this progress, the 2025 conference aims to generate even greater investment and cooperation.
“Oil and gas development is the foundation of Africa’s economic and social advancement,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. “We must remain steadfast in our commitment to Drill Baby Drill policies that will attract more investment to our continent. Africa requires increased drilling, more licensing rounds, expedited permitting and approvals, lower taxes on oil and gas projects, and a united stand against external efforts that hinder the continent’s progress. The Chamber stands resolute in its support for initiatives that harness Africa’s resources to uplift local economies, transform lives, and Make Energy Poverty History.”
