The African Energy Chamber has called for increased African representation as preparations intensify for the Africa Energies Summit 2026, scheduled from May 12 to 14 in London.
In a statement, the Chamber stressed that African inclusion goes beyond conference attendance, encompassing local content, hiring practices, leadership development, and access to decision-making roles within institutions linked to the continent’s oil and gas industry.
NJ Ayuk said local content must extend beyond speeches and policy documents, emphasising that African professionals should occupy meaningful positions of trust and authority.
“Local content cannot be reduced to a slogan. It cannot be celebrated in speeches while African professionals remain excluded from meaningful opportunity. If a platform claims to serve Africa’s energy future, then it must reflect that commitment in practice,” Ayuk stated.
The Chamber highlighted that African professionals have long supported the development of the continent’s energy sector through advocacy for better fiscal terms, improved policy frameworks, licensing opportunities, and alignment with Africa’s energy transition priorities.
The AEC urged platforms that benefit from African participation, investment, and market relevance to ensure that Africans are also integrated into their advisory boards, recruitment pipelines, and leadership structures.
The organisation stressed that its advocacy is not merely critical but also aims to promote best practices, encouraging companies to invest in local talent, capacity building, and leadership opportunities for Africans in the energy sector.
“This is bigger than one event. It is about whether institutions that benefit from African governments, African companies, African investment, and African resources are also prepared to create room for Africans within their own systems,” Ayuk added.
The Chamber reaffirmed its commitment to engaging regulators, investors, operators, and other stakeholders to advance fairness, credibility, and long-term legitimacy in Africa’s oil and gas industry.
