African Energy Chamber - Afrikan Heroes

Senegal’s President Sall to Deliver Keynote Speech on Africa’s Energy Security and Sustainable Energy Future at AEW 2023

August 28, 2023

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) has announced that Senegalese President Macky Sall, renowned for his dedication to addressing energy poverty and sustainability while catalyzing economic growth across Africa, is set to inaugurate the highly anticipated African Energy Week (AEW) conference as the opening keynote speaker. The event, scheduled to take place from October 16–20 in Cape Town, draws attention to the critical discussions shaping the continent’s energy landscape.

President Sall’s presence at AEW resonates as a testament to the significance of this gathering, attracting influential leaders, experts and stakeholders from the global energy sector. His insightful keynote address will set the tone for comprehensive discussions and transformative initiatives that will unfold during the conference.

At the forefront of President Sall’s vision lies a just energy transition, one that harnesses the potential of clean hydrocarbons such as gas for industrialization while simultaneously enhancing access to development finance across Africa. His steadfast advocacy for this balanced transition reflects the urgency of addressing the energy crisis while fostering sustainable development.

Senegal’s energy sector stands as a shining example of transformative growth under President Sall’s leadership. On the natural gas front, President Sall has championed projects that harness Senegal’s hydrocarbon potential. The Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project, with its 15 trillion cubic feet of gas resources, is a testament to Senegal’s capacity to contribute significantly to global energy security, while the Yakaar-Teranga field development further bolsters Senegal’s domestic energy portfolio. Both projects are making progress and are poised to position the country as a global Liquefied Natural Gas producer and exporter.

Senegal’s strategic partnerships within the MSGBC region are pivotal to its energy and economic trajectory. The MSGBC region’s gas industry is poised for accelerated growth in 2023. The GTA project’s first gas production heralds a domino effect of industry benefits. With project partners BP and Kosmos Energy targeting early 2024 for first gas production, Senegal and the MSGBC region are set for economic growth. The Yakaar-Teranga Development and the Banda Gas Field anticipate final investment decisions in 2023, opening doors for investment opportunities across the region. New licensing rounds and drilling campaigns in Senegal, Mauritania, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, and Guinea-Conakry promise a fresh slate of investment and exploration. This growth is projected to have a positive impact on the regional economy, boosting regional GDP contribution and laying the foundation for a just and inclusive energy transition.

Additionally, the nation has embarked on a journey to diversify its energy sources, with an emphasis on renewable energy projects. The ambition to achieve universal access to electricity by 2025 has driven initiatives like the Senergy 2 solar project, which aims to produce 200 MW of solar energy. Additionally, Senegal’s collaboration with international partners has seen the successful development of the 158 MW Taiba N’Diaye wind farm, positioning the nation as a regional leader in renewable energy integration.

President Sall’s visionary leadership extends across all sectors, notably through the transformative Plan for an Emerging Senegal (PES). The PES prioritizes structural economic transformation, human capital, and good governance, focusing on 27 flagship projects spanning critical sectors such as construction, logistics, and mining. The PES’ strategic approach to energy and infrastructure recovery serves as the foundation for Senegal’s successful transformation into an emerging economy, attracting global investment and achieving energy self-sufficiency.

“He is a champion for the energy industry. He understands Oil, Gas and Renewables. Senegal’s dynamic strides within the energy industry are truly commendable. The nation has embarked on a journey of remarkable transformation. From pioneering renewable energy projects to leveraging its abundant natural gas resources, Senegal is setting a new standard for energy development in Africa. The nation’s commitment to sustainable progress and a balanced energy transition is inspiring, and serves as a beacon of hope for the entire continent,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.

President Macky Sall’s presence at AEW symbolizes a shared commitment to crafting a brighter and more sustainable energy future for Africa. As the energy landscape evolves, President Sall’s visionary leadership, dedication to sustainable progress, and emphasis on a balanced energy transition will inspire discussions and guide Africa’s energy transformation.

Kelechi Deca

Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry

African Chambers Urges for Investment in African Energy

January 4, 2023

As African Energy Chamber finalises plans to host New Year Reception in London on 26 January, efforts are being made to explore new opportunities for financing energy projects in Africa. The special New Year reception event at the Waldorf Hilton luxury hotel in London where participants will be encouraged to explore new avenues in financing energy projects on the African continent. During the event, investors and African energy leaders will be given a platform to support energy initiatives that drive economic growth and human development across the continent.

Upholding a results-focused business environment for international companies and investors operating in Africa’s dynamic energy industry, the AEC’s Invest in African Energy Reception Event will focus on developing an oil and natural gas market in Africa to serve as the foundation of the continent’s energy industry and transition, facilitating a platform for strong domestic trading and investment while reducing barriers of entry into the sector and thus ushering a wave of opportunities for new players to participate in one of the world’s most burgeoning investment destinations.

“African nations must focus on developing a natural gas market to serve as the foundation of the continent’s energy industry,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC, adding, “Africa will be unable to meet the UN’s sustainable development goals unless we tap into all resources available, which is why we must encourage and facilitate international investment, specifically from Europe, in oil and gas in order to fairly and economically participate in the global energy transition and drive socioeconomic development throughout the continent.”

Advancing a bold agenda for the African energy sector, the AEC strives to unite governments and credible businesses to spur growth under international standard business practices and position Africa to capitalize on energy investment through strategic partnerships and trade.

With the African continent focusing its efforts on lifting 600 million people who currently lack access to reliable and affordable electricity and 900 million who lack access to affordable clean cooking solutions out of energy poverty, the Invest in African Energy Reception will provide an opportunity for investors to explore various initiatives, which include gas-to-power and renewable energy developments, as well as oil and natural gas exploration and production prospects.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, demand for gas in Europe is expected to rapidly increase in the coming years, thus positioning Africa to take advantage of its immense untapped resources and become a major supplier of oil and natural gas and ensure global energy security while tackling the challenges and opportunities across the continent.

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Set to serve as the first of many of the AEC’s Energy Receptions globally business leaders, investors, and government representatives will unite in London – a city that boasts many Africa-focused investment firms – in good faith to advance mutually beneficial trade and investment partnerships under the common goal of advancing African governance while improving energy access, human rights, food and water security, and education on the continent.

Additionally, the Reception event comes on the heels of a partnership between pan-African trade finance institution, the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) which officially partnered with the continent’s premier energy event, African Energy Week (AEW) in 2022 in a move expected to reawaken a new era of deal-signing, local content and multi-sector expansion. Under a mandate to make energy poverty history in Africa by 2030, the partnership will see both AEW and Afreximbank uniting the power of investment and value creation, driving stronger energy developments in 2022 and beyond. The partnership also aims to further attract investment from the UK to facilitate capacity building, the advocacy and financing of African companies, and the development of infrastructure in the continent’s energy sector.

The Invest in African Energy Reception Event will serve as the premier platform for international dignitaries, executives, and companies to participate and operate in Africa’s energy sector, where access to affordable and reliable energy will be fundamental towards development, while simultaneously showcasing the pressing need to balance all forms of energy development to ensure a just energy transition and mitigate the global energy crisis.

Taking place on 26 January 2023, the Invest in African Energy Reception Event will be held at the Waldorf Hilton luxury hotel in Aldwych, London. Participation is open to all guests and RSVP is essential. RSVP to registeration@aecweek.com.

Kelechi Deca

Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry

African Energy Chamber Appoints Nosizwe Nokwe-Macamo to its Advisory Board

August 12, 2020

The African Energy Chamber has appointed South Africa’s leading businesswoman Nosizwe Nokwe-Macamo into its Advisory Board. With this development, Nosizwe will be advising and supporting the work of the Chamber within its Natural Gas and Local Content committees from 2020 to 2022. Nosizwe was one of South Africa’s first woman petrochemical engineers, and has built over two decades of experience working in the continent’s hydrocarbons industry.

That experience and expertise in the petroleum and energy industry spans across several countries on the African continent during which she has been in the leadership of numerous key portfolios, projects and operations across the petroleum value chain: upstream, midstream and downstream in major oil and gas companies.

Her demonstrated leadership and industry knowledge has seen her serving within the boards of several oil & gas companies and development finance institutions where she brought an in-depth understanding of the sector and its dynamics. Nosizwe is currently the Executive Chairman & Founder of Raise Africa Investments, which focuses on investing in niche African manufacturing businesses with high-growth potential across the value-chain.

NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber — NJ Ayuk is Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber,

“Nosizwe is an accomplished and result-driven businesswoman who understands the most pressing issues our industry is facing today, from local content development and economic empowerment to capital raising and financing. Her passion for African entrepreneurship is remarkable and her expertise in growing businesses across the value-chain, especially in gas, will be critical to supporting the Chamber’s work,” stated Nj Ayuk, Executive Chairman at the African Energy Chamber.

Nosizwe is an Alumni of Moscow State University of Oil and Gas Russia (MSc Petrochemical Engineering 1990), Baku Oil and Gas Academy Azerbaijan (Diploma Oil and Gas Refining 1984), INSEAD (International Management Certificate – 2003), GIBS (Global Executive Development Programme – 2004) and WITS (Certificate in Finance and Accounting-2004).

Kelechi Deca

Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry

Africa’s Commonsense Energy Recovery: How Africa’s Oil & Gas Industry can bounce back from the COVID-19 and the Oil Price War

April 27, 2020

NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman at the African Energy Chamber.

The double crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic and the collapse in oil prices is taking a toll on African economies and the African energy industry. An unstable and precarious oil prices environment has resulted in substantial cuts in state budgets and public spending, in losses of contracts and hundreds of thousands of jobs put at risk. Because bouncing back from this historic crisis will require strict and bold government action, the African Energy Chamber has released today its Call to Action, detailing 10 measures that form a commonsense energy agenda for Africa, which is now accessible to download for free at www.EnergyChamber.org. The impacts of the current crisis are wide and affecting both Africa’s most promising exploration prospects, but also its multi-billion-dollar landmark projects such as BP and Kosmos Energy’s Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) LNG project in Mauritania and Senegal or ExxonMobil and Eni’s $30bn Rovuma LNG project in Mozambique. Oil projects are suffering even more. In Ghana, the development of the Pecan Field has been thrown into very uncertain waters. Aker Energy cancelled its letter of intent sent to Yinson Holding this year to charter, operate and maintain the Pecan FPSO, set to be Ghana’s next big oil offshore development. Woodside Energy’s Sangomar Offshore Oil Project, Senegal’s very first oil venture that was sanctioned early this year, will be facing financing delays. FID on Shell’s Bonga South West Aparo project in Nigeria, for which the invitation to tender was released to contractors early last year, could also not see FID this year. Delays in the execution or sanctioning of these projects will severely impact African economies whose local goods and services were set to benefit from billions of dollars of subcontracting opportunities.

“Our commonsense approach advocates for measures that will support the continuity of business operations and future sector growth. The oil and gas industry will only work for Africans when we set fair policies and treat oil and gas companies as partners who drive our progress,” declared NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman at the African Energy Chamber. “As the voice of the energy industry, we will continue to work with the public and the private sector and other stakeholders to revitalize the African oil and sector by putting Africans back to work,” added Ayuk.

While the immediate impact on the continent’s biggest oil & gas project is already being felt, a much bigger one will result from the deferral or canceling of drilling plans. Across oil & gas basins, drilling projects are being put back on the shelves or terminated. It is the case of Valaris’ drilling activities for Chevron in Angola, of BW Energy’s drilling operations on the Marin Dussafu Permit in Gabon, of the much-awaited exploratory drilling by FAR in The Gambia, of early termination of drilling works of Maersk in Ghana’s Jubilee and TEN Fields, or of Tower Resources’ force majeure on the Thali PSC in Cameroon. No country is sparred, and such delays will further defer discoveries of new fields, and development drilling to ramp up Africa’s daily output.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and its subsequent effect on oil demand and prices, the African Energy Chamber has been leading the dialogue between the public and the private sector on advocating for measures to support our industry and its jobs. While the Chamber believes that market forces need to determine the industry’s future and advocate for limited government across the industry, the time calls for urgent actions. We cannot let our companies and industry collapse for the fear of losing jobs and investments that would sustain our economies for decades to come. It is worth bearing in mind, that activity in and income from Africa’s energy sector generates a significant amount of demand and services from other non-oil and gas sectors of the economy.

Key measures amongst the Africa’s Commonsense Energy Agenda released today are the extension of PSCs and work program adjustments to boost exploration and ensure the resumption of drilling activities. While exploration is a major part of our Call to Action, the Chamber also strongly advocates for tax relief on services companies, reforms of upstream fiscal regimes, banking and financial support, regional content development, incentives to infrastructure projects, and bold actions on removing fuel subsidies. The African Energy Chamber will continue to call on governments, regulators and private companies to work together on finding the right solutions that work for their country and operations. We have the tools in our hands to quickly open new markets for our oil and gas businesses and create new jobs for our continent

Kelechi Deca

Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry

African Governments Urged to Protect Workers and Oil Companies From ill-intent Legal Actions Due to COVID-19

April 2, 2020

The African Energy Chamber is calling on African governments and the judiciary to take actions to shield oil & gas companies and their workers from lawyers trying to take advantage of the Coronavirus pandemic to create instability in the workplace. While most Africans are trying to cope with the uncertainty and issues of Covid 19 and low oil prices, the Chamber is concerned about trial lawyers that are hungry for big checks at the expenses of oil companies and their workers. In this context, it is critical that the judiciary does its best to limit frivolous labor claims to ensuring the stability and continuity of petroleum operations during these difficult times.

“African oil & gas companies have enough to worry about at the moment, and frivolous lawsuits should not be one of them. This is not the time for lawyers to see our industry as a dairy cow and try to get a big payday at the expense of companies and their workers,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber adding that “we cannot love jobs and hate those who create jobs. Protecting jobs and fighting this virus should be our greatest priority. Governments have to send a message that investors and their investments will not be put at risk by greedy lawyers and bureaucrats. For Africa to come out of the twin crisis of low oil prices and the coronavirus stronger than before, we need everyone to show some common sense,” added Ayuk.

African energy companies and services companies operating onshore and offshore need to be given protection from unnecessary litigation. Most companies at the moment are focused on keeping operations intact with the right HSE processes, and ensuring that they can generate revenue for governments and protect the jobs they have created for every day Africans. This should remain a priority.

The Chamber is pleased with the support that is being provided across Africa by oil and gas companies working together with governments across a range of support measures, and it is important to keep resources focused on fighting COVID-19, not lawsuits. The oil sector will remain a pillar in the fight against COVID-19. BP has made a significant financial contribution to the WHO’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for example, and Dangote Industries has done the same with the Nigerian Private Sector Coalition Against COVID-19. NNPC on its sides has already donated six brand new ventilators to the University of Abudja Teaching Hospital.

Shall the situation on our continent worsen, we will be very relieved to have companies with the ability to provide such support the same way Total supports France and Eni supports Italy as thousands of lives are lost. During these times of uncertainty, frivolous lawsuits against petroleum operators and their associates could disrupt the essential role businesses must play in overcoming the crisis and in the recovery. Consequently, the Chamber calls on governments of oil and gas nations like Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, Angola, Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Cameroon, South Sudan, Libya, Senegal or Algeria to extend liability protections to medical professionals assisting workers on oil fields, protection from frivolous labour claims, and also assist oil companies with issues arousing out of their inability to honor rotation of employees due to lockdowns.

Kelechi Deca

Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry

Africa Should be Allowed to Use its Resources –African Energy Chamber.

November 29, 2019

Against the backdrop of the climate change debate, Africa finds itself in an unfortunate position where it is required by the global energy industry to slow down its progress and not explore its hydrocarbons potential to its fullest. This has been described as unfavourable to the continent’s quest for development using its vastly endowed natural resource wealth.

African Energy Chamber’s Executive Chairman Nj Ayuk

In a statement from the African Energy Chamber, the group pointed out that while it does not deny the impacts and severity of climate change, it equally recognize the role and significance of the Paris Agreement which over 30 African countries have signed. However, “we believe the energy transition should be gradual and considerate of the power gap that exists in Africa”, the statement said.

The group further maintained that the foremost obligation as industry leaders in Africa is to ensure that Africa’s people have access to energy. “We are determined to address the everyday issues that the continent is faced with”. Noting that energy poverty is Africa’s most critical concern, “for us, it is a life and death situation. In Africa, over 600 million people still do not have access to power. And, we remain a net importer of energy yet we boast 125 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, accounting for 7.3 percent of global oil reserves and, 509 tcf of gas – accounting for 7.2 percent of global reserves”.

African Energy Chamber’s Executive Chairman Nj Ayuk said that “our natural resources are important for our development. We cannot ignore what the continent needs, in the interest of supporting global trends when our economies remain underdeveloped. Our hydrocarbon potential is vast and Africa is home to a number of emerging economies who are steadfast on taking their rightful place in the global energy sector, our time to industrialize is now”, he added.

Continuing, he said that we applaud our brothers, sisters and friends in the west such as Norway and Germany for having used their oil and gas resources to develop their countries and build thriving economies. But, Africa deserves the same opportunity to build world-class economies.

“At the African Energy Chamber, we understand that issues of climate change are important but, this new drive for environmental colonization bullies African countries to leave their resources and depend on the sun,” NJ Ayuk said. In the past, Africa has been far too reliant on foreign aid and while in some ways it has been extremely helpful and beneficial, it has also taken away our independence. In several instances, Africa has always taken the passenger seat when it comes to deciding its future but, it must end now.

“Our continent needs to be left alone to decide its own fate”, he urged. The African Energy Chamber he noted, strongly stands against the idea that Africa should ignore its potential and ability to leverage its resources as a means to drive growth, create opportunities for investment and development.

He further stated that as the voice of the African energy industry, we are proud to announce our counter-campaign on the insistence that the continent should pursue a less carbon-intensive energy future as a way to support global interests which Africa has not yet benefited from.

Kelechi Deca

Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry

African Energy Chamber’s President to Lead Angolan Services Companies’ African Outreach at Upcoming Oil & Gas Meeting Day in Malabo

July 17, 2019

Angolan and Mozambican services companies are answering to Equatorial Guinea’s call to cooperation and will be participating in the Oil & Gas Meeting Day in Malabo on October 1st and 2nd, 2019. The delegation will be led by President of the African Energy Chamber in Angola, Sergio Pugliese.

The growth of Africa’s oil & gas sector presents the continent’s services companies with tremendous opportunities for partnerships and regional expansion. As Africa’s second-largest oil producer and thanks to its strong local content efforts, Angola is now home to countless services companies with the necessary capacities to expand across sub-Saharan Africa.

“Angola is known for having strong local services companies,” said Sergio Pugliese. “The growth of our local content is now accelerating thanks to the reforms made by President João Lourenço and his administration. We now have Angolan companies that developed strong capabilities and are ready to expand beyond Angola.

They are seeking partnerships and deals with other African and international services and technology companies, to serve both their regional expansion plans but also to further support the growth of the Angolan industry at home. The Oil & Gas Meeting Day provides the perfect platform to seal such deals.”

The African Energy Chamber supports the Oil & Gas Meeting Day, a Year of Energy event organized by Equatorial Guinea’s National Alliance of Hydrocarbons Service Companies (NAHSCO). Malabo has positioned itself as the hub for services companies to engage in meaningful conversations on how to build the next generation of African oil & gas leaders and companies.

The services industry is a massive job creator and a strong pillar of the global oil & gas industry. As cooperation amongst African oil markets increases, the need for services companies to step up their game and pursue an aggressive outreach has become a necessity.

Kelechi Deca

Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry.

Afrikan Heroes

Tag: African Energy Chamber

Senegal’s President Sall to Deliver Keynote Speech on Africa’s Energy Security and Sustainable Energy Future at AEW 2023

Kelechi Deca

African Chambers Urges for Investment in African Energy

Kelechi Deca

African Energy Chamber Appoints Nosizwe Nokwe-Macamo to its Advisory Board

Kelechi Deca

Africa’s Commonsense Energy Recovery: How Africa’s Oil & Gas Industry can bounce back from the COVID-19 and the Oil Price War

African Governments Urged to Protect Workers and Oil Companies From ill-intent Legal Actions Due to COVID-19

Africa Should be Allowed to Use its Resources –African Energy Chamber.

African Energy Chamber’s President to Lead Angolan Services Companies’ African Outreach at Upcoming Oil & Gas Meeting Day in Malabo

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