Latest news with #EnergyChamber.org
Zawya
05-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Africa Energies Summit in London Must Prioritize Hiring Black Africans
In the evolving and competitive energy landscape of Africa, the Frontier and Africa Energies Summit in London holds a critical position, drawing substantial revenue from the continent's thriving markets. However, there is a glaring issue that the organization cannot afford to ignore: the lack of Black Africans in its workforce. This absence raises serious concerns about the company's commitment to diversity and inclusion, and it's time for Africa Energies Summit to address this inequality. The African Energy Chamber ( has issued a direct call for action, urging the summit to rectify this imbalance by hiring Black Africans. It is deeply disappointing that, despite reaping significant benefits from Africa's economic contributions, Frontier and Africa Energies Summit in London has failed to reflect the continent's rich diversity by hiring Black employees. The company continues to prioritize personal networks in its hiring practices, which perpetuates exclusionary systems. As a result, many highly qualified Black Africans, with the necessary skills and experience, are left outside the company's inner circle. This issue becomes even more perplexing when we consider that Black Africans are not merely passive participants in the success of the Africa Energies Summit; they are active sponsors and contributors to its events and programs. This contradiction calls into question the sincerity of the company's commitment to inclusivity and raises concerns about the integrity of its diversity policies. NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, has highlighted the remarkable progress of the Oil and Gas industry in promoting Africans, especially women, into leadership positions. He praises the industry for fostering entrepreneurship and providing opportunities for Africans to rise to the top. This success serves as a stark reminder that Africans, especially African women, are not only capable but essential to the success of organizations operating within the continent. The African Energy Chamber believes firmly that Black Africans possess the expertise, leadership qualities, and vision required for positions at the highest levels within the Africa Energies Summit. Inclusion is not just a matter of social justice—it is a strategic necessity for a company that depends heavily on Africa's energy market for its revenue. It is time for Frontier and Africa Energies Summit in London to move beyond lip service and show real, meaningful commitment to diversity by empowering Africans within its workforce. The issue at hand goes beyond tokenism; it speaks to the very principles of fairness and equal opportunity. The idea that Africans can contribute to the financial success of the company through large exhibitions, yet are denied equal representation within the organization, is both unacceptable and unsustainable. The time to act is now, and this imbalance must be addressed without delay. While it may be uncomfortable to raise these concerns, the African Energy Chamber is committed to shining a light on uncomfortable truths within the industry. The progress made in the Oil and Gas sector—particularly in the hiring, training, and promotion of Africans—demonstrates that genuine diversity efforts lead to entrepreneurial success and organizational growth. The African Energy Chamber urges Africa Energies Summit in London to adopt similar practices and take lessons from the success stories in the Oil and Gas industry. Countries such as South Africa, Nigeria, Angola, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Kenya, Ghana, Namibia, and Tanzania—along with others that actively support the summit and participate in its events—deserve to see their talent represented at the highest levels of the organization. Africa Energies Summit must step up and ensure that the diversity it benefits from in its African markets is reflected in the diversity of its workforce. "Frontier makes a huge part of its revenue from Africa, yet no Black people are hired within the company. They hire people they know, trust, and like, but we are not part of that circle. I am deeply disappointed. Black Africans are major participants and sponsors of their programs. I believe we are more than capable of doing the job, but there has been no true commitment to hiring or promoting us. We also need to have a serious conversation about why Africa Energies Summit in London isn't hosted in Africa," said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. The African Energy Chamber calls on Africa Energies Summit in London to recognize the urgent need to address the underrepresentation of Black Africans in leadership roles within its organization. This is a critical opportunity for the summit to prove its commitment to true diversity and inclusivity by embracing the talents, skills, and potential of Africa's brightest minds. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Zawya
17-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Africa's Gas & Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Potential: Tapping Opportunities for Sustainable Growth
Africa's natural gas and LNG potential is a cornerstone of the continent's energy future. According to the African Energy Chamber's (AEC) ( State of African Energy 2025 Outlook Report, Africa's gas reserves could support a fourfold increase in LNG exports by 2040. Gas-to-power initiatives offer a vital solution to the continent's electricity access challenges, while also providing a pathway to monetize underutilized gas resources. With the right investments and collaborative efforts, Africa is poised to unlock the full potential of its gas sector, driving economic growth and energy security. Major Projects Driving Africa's Gas Potential Several large-scale projects are driving Africa's gas potential, with LNG exports seen as a critical part of the continent's energy future. Africa has the capacity to increase its LNG export capacity almost fourfold by 2040 – says the AEC's report – with a projected 175 million tons of LNG per year. Currently, Africa's LNG exports stand at around 40 million tons, suggesting massive room for growth. Mozambique, a major growth driver for the continent's LNG sector, has the potential to achieve LNG export capacity of up to 50 million tons by 2040, though this potential has been tempered by security concerns, particularly in onshore areas. These challenges have led companies to look toward smaller offshore floating LNG (FLNG) solutions. For example, the Eni's Coral North FLNG project in Mozambique is being developed incrementally as an offshore solution, though it remains smaller in scale than the onshore alternatives. Other key projects include significant developments in Senegal and Mauritania. These nations are poised to become major LNG exporters, with developments such as the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project – co-led by bp and international partners – expected to play a pivotal role in the continent's LNG growth, especially as it progresses to its second phase. Risk Factors and Investment Outlook While the path to realizing Africa's gas and LNG potential presents challenges, there are significant opportunities for growth. As noted in the report, developing both domestic and export markets is crucial to fully unlocking the continent's gas resources. Large-scale pipeline projects, such as the West African Gas Pipeline and Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, could play a vital role in connecting African gas to additional markets, including Europe. Although these projects face financing and political complexities, successful collaboration and strategic investments can pave the way for their advancement, unlocking new economic opportunities and expanding Africa's energy reach. Security remains one of the most significant risks, particularly in regions like Mozambique, where insurgencies have already disrupted major projects. While offshore FLNG projects, such as Coral North, provide a more flexible and secure option, they also come with higher capital costs and reduced production capacity compared to onshore facilities. AEW 2025 to Highlight Growth Opportunities Africa's growing role in the global energy market, along with its proximity to key international markets, positions it as a critical player in the future of natural gas. The Chamber's report emphasizes that Africa's gas potential can be fully realized with the right investments, including de-risking strategies, improved regulatory frameworks and greater collaboration among governments, industry stakeholders and financiers. This year's African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference provides a vital platform for addressing challenges and opportunities within Africa's gas and LNG sector, and discussing strategies for unlocking Africa's full energy potential. With investment in gas and LNG projects continuing to grow, AEW 2025 offers a strategic opportunity to showcase the continent's progress, identify investment gaps and promote collaboration among governments and the private sector to mitigate risks. AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit for more information about this exciting event. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Zawya
03-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
African Energy Chamber Highlights Africa's Energy Potential at Russia's HSE University
NJ Ayuk, Chairman of the African Energy Chamber (www. delivered a keynote lecture titled "African Energy Agenda: Prospects and Challenges" at Russia's HSE University's on March 31 – shedding light on the African continent's energy prospects and challenges. The event was organized by the HSE Center for African Studies and supported by the Roscongress Foundation, with Vsevolod Sviridov, Deputy Director of the Center for African Studies, moderating the discussion. Anastasia Likhacheva, Dean of the HSE Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs, welcomed participants and underscored Africa's vast potential as the world's largest undeveloped energy market. She emphasized Russia's readiness to bridge the knowledge gap and tackle key challenges hindering Africa's energy development. Sviridov outlined the results of the research on African energy markets conducted by the Center's experts in the expert-analytical handbook Africa 2025: Prospects and Challenges (the chapter 'African resources to African markets: making mining and energy work for Africa') ( 'One of the biggest challenges faced by the African countries is the lack of reliable data on the state of the African energy sector. For example, we don't know the exact number of diesel generators situated in Africa and the amount of electricity they produce,' Sviridov noted. During his presentation Ayuk highlighted key successes in Africa's energy sector, emphasizing the significance of Russian-African energy cooperation and explored opportunities for Russian involvement in developing regional energy markets, providing valuable insights into the future of Africa's energy landscape 'What Africa really needs is empowerment. It's not the assistance, but the right to shape its future development. This affects, among other things, the energy sector,' he said, adding that Russian-African cooperation in the energy sector has significant potential. 'For example, Gazprom is looking at the projects in the field of gas motor fuel and compressed natural gas, and Rosatom has started construction of a nuclear power plant in Egypt,' Ayuk noted. Meanwhile, he pointed out that there was great demand for Russian expertise and experience in Africa's energy sector. 'We need full-depth analysis of the African energy sector to understand the prospects of its long-term development. This is a big challenge that African governments and the private sector are currently facing. That is why we appreciate our partnership with Russian think tanks,' Ayuk said, highlighting the Africa 2025 Handbook. 'It is a source of valuable knowledge that supports activities at the level of government agencies, business leaders of all levels and international organizations.' During the session, Ayuk emphasized that Africa offers young people unique career opportunities in various sectors. 'You need to be focused on doing something big and important. You have to be a problem solver, very ambitious and ready to contribute to lives of others. In Africa, you can find so many challenges and so many opportunities at the same time. And one more tip that I want to give is to be brave enough,' he said. Closing the event, Andrey Maslov, Director of the Center for African Studies, expressed his gratitude to Ayuk for the informative lecture and highlighted the importance of knowledge and experience sharing for maintaining and developing Russian-African contacts, including in the energy sector. 'For us it's a great pleasure to host the African Energy Chamber here, in the HSE University. We hope to continue the expert and analytical dialogue, conduct joint projects including those involving students and strengthen our cooperation in the future.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Zawya
31-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Trump's Second Term: A Rare Opportunity for Real African Energy Independence (By NJ Ayuk)
By NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber ( Donald Trump's return to the White House in 2025 represents a pivotal moment for Africa's fossil fuel industry. His administration's swift reapproval of a USD4.7 billion loan from the U.S. Export-Import Bank (Exim) for TotalEnergies' liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Mozambique — initially greenlit in 2020 during his first term but sent into deep-freeze for the full duration of the Biden years — sets the tone for what could be a transformative era for Africa's energy sector. Despite Mozambique's stabilization of security issues and concerns that the transfer of power in America would delay receipt of the loan even further, the Biden Administration refused to release the funds ahead of Trump's inauguration, a decision reflective of the administration's reluctance to support new fossil fuel initiatives throughout Biden's time in office. In contrast, Trump's decisive action within weeks of taking office signals a renewed, positive working relationship between the United States and Africa — one that prioritizes energy development over ideological objections and the Green Agenda's influence. The African Energy Chamber (AEC) contends that Africa should seize this potentially brief moment in history and embrace the Trump administration as a partner rather than an opponent. For too long, global pressures have insisted that African nations move toward green energy projects only and leave their fossil fuel resources behind. While renewable energy has its place, and will be important to Africa's future, fossil fuels still clearly constitute the backbone of any realistic efforts for African industrialization and economic growth — goals we simply cannot afford to sideline. Alignment with Trump's energy-first ethos would mean that Africa could unlock significant funding for wide-ranging fossil fuel projects, and not just the offshore oil and gas ventures that dominate the headlines. The continent should capitalize on all opportunities in onshore projects, wildcat wells (exploratory drilling in unproven areas), and the proliferation of numerous small operators. These avenues lead the way to diversity in Africa's energy portfolio, job creation, and massively strengthened energy security. The reapproval of funding for Mozambique LNG is a case in point. The project's revival under Trump demonstrates how quickly thick bureaucratic congestion can dissolve when political will aligns with economic practicality. This USD4.7 billion infusion will boost Mozambique's economy while sending a message to other African nations: Under Trump, at long last, America is open for business. In contrast to the previous administration, which openly regarded fossil fuel development with skepticism and disdain, Trump's 'drill baby drill' mantra — while rooted in an 'America First' agenda — pairs seamlessly with the ambitions of the African oil and gas industry. Africa should adopt a similar mindset and position itself as an attractive destination for American investment dollars. Coal's Comeback Another of Trump's domestic priorities, no doubt a response to China's unabashed expansion of coal production within its borders, is to revive clean coal production in the U.S. This initiative offers a compelling blueprint for Africa. While coal remains a contentious, harshly criticized resource globally, its advantages are undeniable: It's cheaper to produce, often doesn't require big bank financing, and is abundant across the continent. For African nations grappling with energy poverty, coal can serve as a means to an end, delivering affordable power to millions in the interim while the infrastructure for other energy sources matures. Simply put, Africa deserves to be the last global holdout on coal production and should leverage its coal reserves to meet domestic needs and export demands. Trump's willingness to disregard the international campaign against coal should embolden African leaders to reopen their abandoned coal mines and rest assured that this time around, they'll be able to operate freely, without fear of U.S. opposition. Fossil Fuels Unleashed Looking beyond coal, over the next four years, Africa has the rare chance to pursue an aggressive fossil fuel agenda. The continent should unite under an 'Africa First' banner and adopt its own 'drill baby drill' mentality in support of every promising oil exploration and production project, every possible natural gas project, and a multinational effort to slash through regulatory red tape. In Nigeria, for instance, the wheels of progress moved agonizingly slowly when it came to passing the Petroleum Industry Act, first proposed in 2008 and not signed into law until 2021. Even after the law was passed, Nigeria has been slow to fully implement it. This kind of inertia deters investment and slows development. A Trump-inspired push to clean up such bureaucratic roadblocks could unleash a wave of prosperous development. Similarly, addressing security issues — like those that drove U.S. firms out of Libya — will be critical to restoring confidence and attracting capital from abroad. While the offshore sector will undoubtedly remain a cornerstone of Africa's fossil fuel strategy, the continent's onshore potential is equally vast. Wildcat wells offer high-risk/ high-reward prospects that could uncover new reserves. Meanwhile, instead of relying solely on multinational oil and gas giants, empowerment of more independent companies and indigenous small operators could diversify the industry, build up local entrepreneurship, and ensure the economic benefits are more widespread. It is highly unlikely that the Trump administration, with its emphasis on deregulation and energy independence for its own shores, would obstruct such efforts on ours. Conversely, it may actively encourage them through financing and technical support, as seen with the Exim loan. Balancing Development and Climate Realities Though critics will argue that this push for fossil fuel proliferation contradicts global climate goals, at the AEC, we insist that the calculations for Africa are simply different. Africa accounts for a fraction of global emissions but bears a disproportionate burden when it comes to energy poverty. Fossil fuels offer a realistic and relatively quick path to electrification and industrialization, the proven prerequisites for lifting millions out of poverty. Trump's indifference to international climate orthodoxy, while controversial, gives Africa the much-needed breathing room to prioritize development over decarbonization. This is in no way an outright rejection of renewables but a recognition that fossil fuels can and will facilitate a just transition to green technologies once their capabilities catch up to Africa's current needs. Seizing the Moment The next four years under Trump could redefine Africa's energy landscape. With U.S. interference a thing of the past, Africa can pursue a multi-pronged energy strategy. With a ramp-up in natural gas to meet global demand, a coal revival to power its own grids, and on and offshore opportunities tapped into, Africa could finally secure its full resource base. However, this approach will require bold leadership. Governments will have to eliminate obstructive policies and address security challenges head-on to secure foreign investments. The payoff could be immense: energy abundance, economic growth, and a partnership with the U.S. that is stronger than ever before. For example, Nigeria's oil and gas sector has been hampered by regulatory uncertainty and security threats in the Niger Delta. A Nigerian 'drill baby drill' mindset could accelerate regulatory, social, and economic reforms needed to address the Niger Delta's deep-rooted instability. This kind of mindset could restart stalled projects and attract American firms eager to invest in a Trump-approved climate. Likewise, in Libya, a resolution to security concerns could lure back U.S. companies that fled during years of instability, reviving a once-thriving oil industry. Across the continent, small operators could flourish under a lighter regulatory touch, drilling wildcat wells and tapping into overlooked reserves. South Africa, with its vast coal deposits, could take the lead on clean coal technologies to balance affordability and environmental concerns. Smaller nations with untapped coal reserves could follow Trump's lead in defying global pressures against production. The result would be a continent less dependent on foreign aid and more capable of powering its own future. Trump's presidency offers Africa a chance to unapologetically double down on its fossil fuel potential. The USD4.7 billion Mozambique loan is just the beginning — a proof of concept for what collaboration with the U.S. can achieve. By embracing this partnership, Africa can shed the shackles of the Biden era and chart a course toward energy sovereignty. The tools are all there: offshore rigs, onshore fields, wildcat wells, established mines, and a willing ally in Washington. The question that remains is whether Africa's leaders have the courage to stand up to the anti-carbon lobby. Trump's second term could be remembered as the moment Africa's fossil fuel industry came into its own — as a partner to the U.S. in a shared vision of energy abundance. With four years of clear skies ahead, there is no question that Africa should build, mine, and yes, drill, baby, drill like never before. If we don't act now, it might be a very long wait for an opportunity like this one to present itself again. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Zawya
29-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Africa Energy Sector Endorses West African Energy Summit in Aberdeen, Scotland with a Focus on Global Investment
The African Energy Chamber (AEC) ( – representing the voice of the African energy sector – offers their strong endorsement and support of the West African Energy Summit (WAES). Taking place in Aberdeen, Scotland, from November 18-19, 2025, the event returns for its second edition to foster meaningful exchanges between African and global partners. With investment representing a cornerstone for Africa's energy future, the event aims to unlock capital flows essential for advancing energy projects. Hosted in partnership with the Ministry of Energy of Ghana, the Petroleum Commission of Ghana and the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, WAES is a premier platform that unites technology providers, innovators, project operators and financiers. Taking place in the 'oil capital' of Scotland, the event is poised to unlock new opportunities for strengthened Africa-Scotland oil and gas relations, while incentivizing greater foreign investment and technology injection across African oil and gas projects. There has never been a more strategic time to invest in Africa. The continent is ripe with opportunity, with investment prospects cropping across both mature and emerging hydrocarbon markets. Angola is preparing to launch a 2025 licensing round, is offering acreage onshore and in marginal fields while enticing spending through incremental production. Nigeria launched an international bid round in 2024, aimed at furthering development in prospective petroleum basins. Libya launched its 2025 licensing round this month and aims to increase output to two million barrels per day in the coming years. These established markets require significant levels of capital and technology to support production goals, presenting a unique opportunity for Scottish and European service providers and operators. Meanwhile, in emerging markets, efforts to unlock new hydrocarbon plays have led to a range of opportunities for global companies. Namibia is on track to produce first oil by 2029 with projects in the Orange Basin. The country is seeking innovative drilling and appraisal services to fast-track this timeline. In Zimbabwe, exploration has shown trillion-cubic-feet worth of natural gas potential while in Senegal and Mauritania, the start of LNG production at the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project has revealed significant potential for billion-barrel finds in neighboring basins. While the continent pursues accelerated oil and gas developments, efforts to reduce emissions through decarbonization solutions have opened-up collaborative opportunities for African and global players. The continent is promoting a just energy transition, one which incorporates a diverse slate of energy solutions, from oil and gas to coal to geothermal, green hydrogen and renewable energy. Home to oilfields service technology, Aberdeen stands to play a central role in supporting Africa's oil, gas and decarbonization efforts. Aberdeen has long been recognized as a global center for oil and gas expertise, particularly in offshore technologies. Its robust service sector has been instrumental in supporting African energy projects, providing advanced technological solutions and fostering knowledge exchange. The city's extensive experience in managing complex energy projects positions it as an invaluable partner for African nations seeking to enhance their oil and gas operations. As such, the WAES aims to spotlight cutting-edge technologies that can drive efficiency and sustainability in the energy sector. Key focus areas include upstream efficiency, cost reduction, field development, infrastructure projects and asset management. By showcasing advancements in artificial intelligence, data analytics and predictive maintenance, the summit provides a platform for African stakeholders to explore solutions that can facilitate a balanced energy transition. 'It is imperative that African leaders present a unified voice and strategy for African energy transitions. We must make Africa's unique needs and circumstances clear and explain the critical role that oil and gas will play in helping Africa achieve net-zero emissions in coming decades. Oil and gas will remain a major part of Africa's energy story for decades to come. Through global partnerships, modernized technology and greater investment, Africa stands to realize its multi-faceted goals of reducing emissions while enhancing energy security,' stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
