By Prince Kurupati
The Chairperson of the African Energy Chamber (AEC) NJ Ayuk has lauded the efforts of outgoing Senegalese President Macky Sall in promoting a pro-growth energy agenda during his tenure in office. The message to President Macky Sall by NJ Ayuk during an official visit.
“We had good discussions about the State of African Energy, and we also thanked him for his unwavering support for African energy producers and his commitment to making energy poverty history,” NJ Ayuk said in a post on the AEC social media handles.
NJ Ayuk also said he commended President Sall for his dedication and bold stance in advocating for African countries to persist in using traditional energy sources despite pressures from external forces. “President Macky Sall has been unashamed about supporting his citizens and Africans who produce the fuels that drive African vibrant economies. It has been an honor working with him and following his pro-growth energy agenda. He has accomplished a lot and empowered the energy industry, including all forms of energy, to promote human flourishing and prosperity in #Africa,” the AEC Chair said.
Going further, NJ Ayuk said, “He (President Sall) has always defended our oil and gas sector. He understands it would be folly to blindly discard the fuels that have created so much prosperity on a political whim before alternatives are ready. Fossil fuels remain the cheapest, most reliable, and most abundant source of energy currently available to Africans —the only real option in the foreseeable future to continue our trajectory of economic growth and ensure a high quality of life for all Africans.”
There have been many calls in recent years on the global stage, especially during global energy indabas calling upon African nations and other developing countries to embark on a radical energy transition to alternative green energy sources. While noble, the calls have faced stern criticism from African energy experts. The criticisms emanate from the fact that Africa is being forced to comply with decarbonization policies when it hasn’t contributed much to polluting the atmosphere. The developed world during the industrialization era did the most damage.
While Africa is now being forced to blindly embark on an energy transition, the same cannot be said for the countries that should be leading by example. They are actually just reaping and enjoying the benefits of their industrialization. “In many developed countries, people are living longer, healthier lives than ever, which is a good thing. It’s no coincidence that life expectancies average just 60 years in sub-Saharan Africa, where less than half the population has any access to electricity and many likely lack reliable electricity. Similarly, infant mortality rates in the region are nearly nine times those in the United Kingdom. And a strong energy industry doesn’t only benefit human flourishing; it also supports clean air and water,” the AEC Chair said.
“President Macky Sall has put Senegal on the path of prosperity—unleashing the power of the free market to innovate, experiment, and benefit the Senegalese and African people without picking winners and losers,” NJ Ayuk said.
Thanks to his leadership, Senegal is emerging as an energy champion. His years of service both to Senegal and Africa have been amazing—and our energy future is bright. He will go down in history as one of the greatest African leaders of our time. The AEC Chair enthused.
