Energy Security Remains A Top African Priority: AEC’s NJ Ayuk Calls Out Misplaced Protests in Africa’s Energy Debate

By Ajong Mbapndah L

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) has made it clear: oil and gas development in Africa is crucial to the continent's future, despite mounting protests from Western NGOs and climate activists. The AEC is pushing back against the planned demonstrations, arguing that the focus should be on addressing the immediate issues surrounding Africa’s energy poverty, rather than blocking an event that advocates for the continent’s right to energy development.

NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman at the African Energy Chamber, in a strong rebuttal on his official LinkedIn account, pointed out the apparent inconsistency in the protesters’ focus. While Western climate activists prepare to denounce the African Energy Week, AEC, for its promotion of fossil fuels, the Africa Oil Week (AOW) — another event that promotes investment in oil and gas — is already taking place in Cape Town with minimal protest.

The AEC Executive Chairman has pondered why activists are choosing to protest an event that is still weeks away, while largely ignoring the ongoing oil conference in Cape Town.

“If the protest is against fossil fuels, why protest against and denounce an event yet to happen, why not protest and denounce the event promoting oil and gas which is underway,” NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, AEC said.

“It's making less and less sense that Western NGO and Climate activists choose to come protest at the AEC office in Johannesburg to prohibit us from holding AEC African Energy Week next month rather than protest at AOW: Investing in African Energy in Cape Town that is ongoing this week. Energy poverty is real and that should be our focus. Wealthy Europeans just don't get it. They are living in LA LA Land. Oil is here to stay. Africans did not create your climate crisis.”

The AEC’s position is rooted in the reality of Africa’s energy poverty. Nearly one billion Africans lack access to clean cooking fuels, and another 600 million—mostly in sub-Saharan regions—have no access to electricity. This harsh truth underscores the chamber’s commitment to pushing for oil and gas exploration across Africa.

The environmental activists associated with the 'Don't Gas Africa' movement plan to march from Sandton Central Park to the African Energy Chamber (AEC) in Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, from 09:00 on October 8. Participants plan to denounce African Energy Week and the perceived alliance between the government and the fossil fuel industry.

The organization also emphasized its commitment to free speech and civil discourse, calling on protesters to remain peaceful. NJ Ayuk said: “We have a clear commitment at the AEC for free speech and civil discourse. We stand by a commitment to civil discourse, which means that we treat each other with respect.”

“We call on the protesters to exercise restraint and avoid violence. We believe that by exercising such restraints, we're creating an environment that further encourages discussion and debate.”

The AEC’s stance is clear: Africa must continue to develop its natural resources, including hydrocarbons, to address the continent’s energy needs and promote economic growth. The chamber advocates for a "Just Transition" that allows African countries to harness their oil and gas reserves while gradually integrating renewable energy sources.

Africa’s place in the global energy conversation is a complex one. While the continent contributes minimally to global carbon emissions, it remains disproportionately affected by climate change. African leaders have argued that the transition away from fossil fuels must be gradual to ensure that energy access, poverty reduction, and development goals are not sacrificed in the name of climate action.

The AEC’s message has resonated with many across Africa, who see oil and gas as vital to the continent’s future. With growing global demand for energy and Africa's untapped resources, the chamber insists that African countries should be empowered to use every drop of their hydrocarbons to improve the quality of life for their people.

“At the AEC we will continue to push for oil and gas development and a Just Transition in Africa. Africans must produce every drop of hydrocarbons we can find to better the lives of their people and meet global energy security needs. We at the AEC encourage protest, and debates, not settle them,” said NJ Ayuk.