The African Energy Chamber (AEC) has reaffirmed its decision to boycott the upcoming Africa Energies Summit in London over concerns about a lack of local content and African representation.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the chamber, which stressed the need for meaningful inclusion in Africa-focused industry platforms.
The development highlights growing dissatisfaction among stakeholders regarding leadership diversity and participation in global energy events centered on Africa.
What they are saying
The AEC said the issue has moved beyond dialogue to one of accountability, citing the continued lack of Black African representation in leadership roles.
- The chamber stated, “Despite repeated calls for reform, the organizers of the summit have not demonstrated a willingness to address concerns around exclusion… this undermines both the credibility and the legitimacy of the event.”
- NJ Ayuk said, “Our position remains the same: if you benefit from Africa’s resources and its development agenda, then you must reflect Africa in your leadership, hiring and decision-making.”
- He added, “Local content can no longer be smoke and mirrors – it must be a tangible commitment to inclusion, opportunity and ownership.”
The chamber emphasized that Africa cannot remain central to global energy discussions while Africans are excluded from decision-making positions.
More insight
The boycott appears to be gaining momentum across the continent, with multiple stakeholders withdrawing from the summit over similar concerns.
Mozambique’s oil and gas sector pulled out of the event in March 2026, citing a lack of inclusion and representation.
Ghana also withdrew in April 2026, raising concerns over discriminatory hiring practices and limited African participation.
The AEC has continued to advocate for African-led development, highlighting projects like the Dangote Refinery and indigenous firms such as Sahara Group as examples of local capacity.
The chamber reiterated its position during recent industry engagements, including ARDA Week 2026 and the Namibia International Energy Conference, where it called for stronger local content frameworks and inclusive leadership across the sector.
Our position will not shift
AEC stated that the behaviour of organizations such as Frontier Energy Network and individuals such as Daniel Davidson threatens to undermine these efforts, posing a structural risk to Africa’s energy development.
- “It will be incredibly dangerous to have the vision of Daniel Davidson and Frontier Energy Network guide how the continent deals with energy poverty, investments and the development of fields in Namibia, Mozambique and across Africa. Over the coming weeks, we will intensify our campaign to boycott the summit.
- “But the industry must do more: seismic companies that continue enabling these horrible policies will also be targeted. They are aiding and abetting anti-African policies. Multi-client data does not work with discrimination,” added Ayuk.
The AEC has made it clear that its position will not shift without tangible change. For the Chamber and its partners, the issue is not about exclusion in return, but about establishing a baseline of fairness, representation and mutual respect. Until that standard is met, the boycott will remain in place.
What you should know
The AEC had earlier, in March 2026, called for the inclusion of African professionals in the Africa Energies Summit scheduled to hold in London from May 12 to May 14.
- The summit is hosted by Frontier Energy Network, which has faced criticism over its leadership composition.
- The chamber warned that it would boycott the event if concerns about representation were not addressed.
- It also raised broader issues about fairness, credibility, and long-term legitimacy in Africa-focused industry platforms.
The AEC has now made it clear that its position will not change until there are tangible commitments to inclusion, representation, and equal opportunity within the summit’s structure and leadership.
