By Gideon Osaka
Africa is at the epicentre of a contentious debate as the world grapples with the dual challenges of climate change and energy poverty. The continent’s energy future has become a battleground, pitting environmental activists against energy industry stakeholders. Recently, this tension came to a head with the controversy surrounding African Energy Week (AEW) and Africa Oil Week (AOW), two premier energy conferences held in Cape Town, South Africa.
On one hand, AEW and AOW aim to promote Africa’s energy self-sufficiency, industrialisation, and economic growth by developing its vast oil and gas reserves. Proponents argue that Africa’s energy needs cannot be met without harnessing its fossil fuel resources, which would create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and reduce dependence on imported fuels.
On the other hand, environmental activists and some African civil society organisations vehemently oppose the AEW, viewing it as perpetuating a “fossil fuel agenda” that exacerbates climate change and undermines Africa’s transition to renewable energy. Protesters argue that Africa should leapfrog traditional energy sources and invest directly in clean energies to avoid the environmental and health risks associated with fossil fuels.
However, critics of the protests contend that they are misdirected and misguided, ignoring Africa’s unique energy context and prioritising Western environmental interests over African economic development. They argue that Africa’s energy poverty – with 600 million people lacking access to electricity – cannot be alleviated solely through renewables and that a balanced energy mix, including oil and gas, is necessary for the continent’s growth.
Ironically, organisers of the protests – Extinction Rebellion and The Green Connection who protested outside the Africa Oil Week conference, did not protest against the AOW but rather against AEW.
AOW is the meeting place for the global community of African energy stakeholders committed to enabling a prosperous energy outlook for Africa. The conference brings together governments, regulators, global operators, power producers, investors and service providers to develop policies, secure investment and nurture partnerships that promote sustainable development and energy transformation across the continent and beyond. Under its mission, investing in African energy, they are leading the AOW community towards a holistic energy transition journey that considers the diverse needs of each country and region, where hydrocarbons, gas and new energy become an integrated dialogue and collaborative approach to addressing Africa’s energy needs and development agenda.
On the other hand, African Energy Week (AEW) is the African Energy Chamber’s annual event, uniting African energy leaders, global investors and executives from across the public and private sectors. AEW supports upstream, midstream and downstream projects; supports jobs, creates growth, promotes gender equality, and drives innovation that brings solutions for Africa’s future. Recognising that the energy transition is shaping the global dialogue, AEW promotes the African position on the future of Africa’s energy sector. By advocating personal responsibility, free markets, individual liberty and an enabling environment for investors, AEW ensures that Africa’s oil and natural gas industry and Africans stand to benefit, rather than continuing reliance on foreign aid and assistance.
A report by GroundUp, a South African news media, states “Hundreds of environmental activists from various organisations took to the streets of Sandton calling for a boycott of the upcoming Africa Energy Week. In Cape Town, Extinction Rebellion and The Green Connection protested outside the Africa Oil Week conference”, the report stated. The report further highlighted, “Protesters accused AEW of perpetuating a fossil fuel agenda and for placing the interests of multinational corporations above the interests of communities affected by the extraction of fossil fuels.
“The fossil fuel industry enriches a tiny proportion of Africans and does not serve the poor. They devastate the ecosystems and leave destruction in their wake,” said Extinction Rebellion’s Malik Dasoo.
According to the protesters, AEW will include discussions about the 1,400km East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), which will take Uganda’s crude oil to the Chongoleani Peninsula near Tanga port in Tanzania for export. The project is driven by French oil company TotalEnergies.
Protesters marched through Sandton accompanied by a large police presence as they stopped at the African Energy Chamber, the American Consulate, and the Sasol head office, where they read out some of their demands.
“We demand the cancellation of AEW and the establishment of an energy system that serves African people, not corporations, not imperial powers and not profit-hungry elites. Let’s build a future where energy is a public good, democratically controlled and used to power development that is socially just, environmentally sustainable and economically empowering for all our people,” read a statement issued by the demonstrators.
In all, the protesters did not call for the cancellation of AOW or other energy/oil and gas summits held across different countries in Africa annually, their major purpose was to target AEW.
Looking at the overall objective of the organisers of the protest as contained in the online form via [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1w26Lh4VtO_y_3RvzuvzGpHmu7ipCuiSQZYZ-myT-OUk/viewform?edit_requested=true&s=08&pli=1], which reads: “Attention African Civil Society Organisations, Community-Based Organisations, Trade Unions, Social & Environmental Justice Groups: Sign the Open Letter to Stop African Energy Week and join us in calling for an end to the unholy alliance between finance capital, the fossil fuel industry and African governments and in demanding that African governments and decision-makers boycott African Energy Week and cut ties with its host, the African Energy Chamber!”, the protesters did not mention other oil and gas summits held across Africa but were only bothered about the AEW. This approach by the organisers suggests there is no sincerity of purpose to “demand the cancellation of AEW and establish an energy system that serves African people”.
In August, Valuechain reported how for years, the Africa Oil and Gas industry has been under siege by Western NGOs, who have been waging a relentless campaign of disinformation and negativity. These organisations, masquerading as champions of the environment and human rights, have been using paid attacks and smear campaigns to discredit Africa’s oil and gas industry and undermine its growth.
Aliko Dangote also savoured some of the bitter chills and campaign of calumny perpetuated by these so-called environmentalists when he was struggling to deliver his promise of providing petrol and diesel to Nigerians. Dangote cried foul, pointing accusing fingers at IOC’s sabotaging the smooth take-off of the Dangote Refinery. The motivations of Western NGOs in targeting Africa’s oil and gas industry are multifaceted. Some may genuinely believe that the industry poses a threat to the environment and contributes to climate change. Others may have economic interests that align with the goals of renewable energy companies or other industries that compete with oil and gas. Additionally, some may be driven by geopolitical considerations or ideological beliefs. It is against this backdrop that the revelations by David Hundeyin, a Nigerian journalist, exposed one such attempt by Dialogue Earth, a London-based NGO funded by American intelligence fronts, to offer him N800,000 to write an article discrediting the Dangote Refinery. The brief was to argue that the refinery is terrible for the environment, citing “Environmental Concerns,” “Climate Change,” and “Energy Transition Policy.”
Hundeyin’s courageous decision to reject the offer and expose the NGO’s motives has shed light on the sinister forces at play. Dialogue Earth intended to counteract the interests of half a billion West Africans by using local voices to advocate against the Dangote refinery, thereby maintaining the status quo of Africa’s dependence on European refiners.
The African Energy Chamber has been a formidable voice, championing African energy security. Through its Executive Chairman, NJ Ayuk, the Chamber commended Hundeyin for his bravery and supported him in his quest for truth. “Not surprised by this”, NJ said.
“We have warned about this for a long time. I have been on the receiving end of a lot of these paid attacks. It only takes $500 or less and they will write some crazy story about us and attack the energy sector”, Ayuk stated.
“These NGO’s understand the game so well. The beauty of negative attacks of the Africa Oil and Gas industry— from their standpoint — is that they influence everyone. Even Africans who believe in oil and gas will be affected by negative attacks from these dark forces. They are pushing dangerous ideas and they try to make us hate investors and oil companies.
“The African Energy Chamber fully supports David Hundeyin and commends him for standing up against Dialogue Earth. We are wholly against a Western NGO trying to use African voices to advance their own biased agenda. The attempt to get a well-known Nigerian journalist to effectively endorse such a smear campaign shows a cowardly approach by the Western NGO to try and destroy the African oil and gas industry, all because they can’t do it with their own names or organisations.
“We have real issues. Energy poverty, women empowerment, local content, jobs, free markets, limited government, low taxes and good governance.
“Once a negative idea has been planted, it’s very hard to shake. So, it’s reasonable to expect that Western NGOs in the upcoming energy debates will be ready with negative frames — frames they hope will stick to Africa’s oil and gas sector and our brains. But we don’t have to be held hostage by the constant negativity”, Ayuk affirmed.
The actions of Western NGOs have significant implications for Africa. By undermining the oil and gas industry, these organisations can hinder economic growth, limit access to energy, undermine sovereignty, and contribute to unemployment. To combat the shadow agenda of Western NGOs, a multi-faceted approach is necessary; first, expose their motives and funding sources, by revealing their true intentions to Africans. This can be achieved through genuine investigative journalism and whistleblowing.
Most importantly, there is a need to support independent journalism to counter biased reporting and leverage social media to raise awareness and mobilise public support. Also, engaging with policymakers to shape legislation that supports Africa’s oil and gas industry, and ensuring that policies align with African interests must be prioritised. Similarly, African governments should implement measures to ensure transparency and accountability in the oil and gas sector. This will help to address concerns about corruption and environmental impacts.
That is not all, educating the public about the benefits of the industry and the tactics of Western NGOs, and promoting critical thinking and informed decision-making is also key. African countries should invest in independent research to provide evidence-based information about the benefits and risks of the oil and gas industry and consider legal action against NGOs that engage in defamation or other unlawful activities, to hold them accountable for their actions.
This feature story delves into the complexities of this controversy, examining the following key questions:
What are the motivations behind the protests against AEW?
How do Africa’s energy needs and priorities differ from those of Western countries?
Can Africa realistically transition to renewable energy without exploiting its fossil fuel resources?
How can Africa balance its economic development goals with environmental concerns and global climate commitments?
By exploring these questions, this feature story aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the African Energy Week controversy, shedding light on the intricate relationships between energy, economics, environment, and social justice in Africa’s pursuit of sustainable development.
Unpacking the Controversy Surrounding African Energy Week
The protests against African Energy Week (AEW) have sparked intense debate about Africa’s energy future. But what drives these protests, and are they truly aligned with Africa’s interests?
Motivations Behind the Protests
Critics argue that Western environmental organisations, often funded by foreign donors, are driving the protests against AEW. These groups prioritise global climate commitments over Africa’s economic development needs. While their concerns about climate change are valid, some observers question whether they fully grasp Africa’s unique energy context.
“Africa’s energy poverty is not just about lighting homes; it’s about powering industries, creating jobs, and stimulating economic growth,” notes Dr. NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. “Protesters must recognise that Africa’s energy needs are different from those of Western countries.”
Africa’s Distinct Energy Needs
Unlike Western nations, Africa’s energy landscape is characterised by widespread poverty, limited access to electricity, and burgeoning industrialisation. The continent’s energy demands are expected to triple by 2040, driven by population growth and urbanisation. Africa’s energy mix must balance economic growth with environmental concerns.
“Africa can’t afford to follow the same energy path as Western countries,” emphasises Kofi Adomakoh, Energy Analyst at Wood Mackenzie. “Renewables are part of the solution, but fossil fuels will remain crucial for powering Africa’s industrialisation.”
Transitioning to Renewable Energy
While renewable energy is gaining traction in Africa, transitioning solely to clean energy sources is unrealistic in the short term. Africa’s energy infrastructure is still in its infancy, and fossil fuels will remain necessary to meet growing demand.
“Africa needs a balanced energy mix, incorporating renewables, gas, and oil,” argues Dr. Imani Silver Kyaruzi, Energy Expert at the African Development Bank. “Leapfrogging fossil fuels entirely would hinder economic growth and exacerbate energy poverty.”
Balancing Economic Development and Environmental Concerns
Africa must navigate the delicate balance between economic development and environmental stewardship. This requires pragmatic policies that prioritize energy access, industrialisation, and job creation while incorporating climate-resilient strategies.
“Africa’s energy future is not a zero-sum game between fossil fuels and renewables,” notes NJ Ayuk. “We need to adopt a holistic approach, investing in clean technologies, improving energy efficiency, and promoting regional cooperation.”
African Solutions for African Challenges
As Africa charts its energy course, it’s essential to prioritise African perspectives and solutions. This includes fostering regional cooperation, promoting domestic private sector participation, and developing context-specific energy policies.
“Africa’s energy future belongs to Africans,” emphasises Kofi Adomakoh. “We must drive the conversation, leveraging international partnerships to support our own energy vision.”
By acknowledging these complexities, Africa can forge a sustainable energy path that balances economic growth with environmental concerns, ensuring a brighter future for its citizens.
As Africa stands at the threshold of unprecedented economic growth, its energy demands are surging. With a population projected to double by 2050, the continent’s thirst for energy is intensifying, underscoring the critical need to develop its vast oil and gas reserves. Africa’s hydrocarbon riches – with proven oil reserves of 126 billion barrels and gas reserves of 503 trillion cubic feet – represent a game-changing opportunity to fuel industrialisation, power economic transformation, and lift millions out of energy poverty.
Yet, despite boasting significant resources, Africa’s oil and gas industry remains largely underdeveloped. The continent’s production accounts for merely 9% of global oil output and 6% of global gas production, with many countries struggling to translate their natural wealth into tangible economic benefits. Decades of underinvestment, inadequate infrastructure, and regulatory uncertainty have stifled growth, forcing Africa to rely heavily on imported fuels and cede valuable market share to international players.
However, a new wave of African leaders, investors, and policymakers is recognising the urgent need to reverse this trend. As global energy dynamics shift, Africa’s oil and gas industry is poised for revitalisation.
One man who has ceaselessly championed African energy security is the Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation, Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim. Earlier this year, Valuechain reported that Dr. Omar highlighted key concerns regarding the global shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. He raised questions about the origins of this transition, the timing of awareness regarding fossil fuel dangers, and the measures being taken by developed nations to ensure energy security for their citizens. Dr. Omar urged African nations not to blindly accept these recommendations but to scrutinise them thoroughly to safeguard their interests. The call by the APPO helmsman is coming after the Wall Street Journal reported on instances where organisations like the International Energy Agency (IEA) make incorrect forecasts or assessments. One notable instance occurred in May 2021, when the IEA released a report suggesting there was no need for new fossil fuel investments if the world aimed to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
This report faced criticism from various quarters, including the fossil fuel industry and some analysts, who argued that the IEA underestimated the future demand for fossil fuels. Critics pointed out that the IEA’s assumptions were overly optimistic about the pace of renewable energy adoption and the feasibility of certain technologies like carbon capture and storage. In a world grappling with the urgent imperatives of climate change mitigation and energy transition, the accuracy of energy forecasts holds unparalleled significance. Yet, a series of discrepancies between the IEA’s projections and real-world developments have sparked scrutiny and debate, thereby prompting stakeholders to question the reliability of the agency’s crystal ball. The IEA’s track record has been intensely scrutinised, from overestimating the resilience of fossil fuel demand to underestimating the rapid ascent of renewable energy technologies. Instances of incorrect forecasts have reverberated across global energy markets, impacting investment decisions, policy formulation, and the energy transition trajectory.
Paradoxically, ExxonMobil’s 2024 Global Energy Outlook presents a more optimistic view of oil and gas demand compared to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) World Energy Outlook (WEO) reports. While ExxonMobil forecasts a continued role for oil and gas in the energy mix, IEA’s reports emphasise the need for a rapid transition away from fossil fuels.
ExxonMobil argues that the energy transition will take longer than predicted by the IEA, requiring a more gradual shift away from fossil fuels. The contrast between ExxonMobil’s 2024 Global Energy Outlook and IEA’s WEO reports reflects fundamentally different perspectives on the energy transition. While ExxonMobil forecasts a continued role for oil and gas, IEA’s reports emphasise the urgent need for a rapid transition to low-carbon energy sources. The debate highlights the complexity and uncertainty surrounding the energy landscape, underscoring the need for ongoing dialogue and cooperation among stakeholders. ExxonMobil’s 2024 Global Energy Outlook provides a comprehensive roadmap for navigating the complex energy landscape. As the industry continues to evolve, understanding these trends and implications will be essential for stakeholders to make informed decisions. By embracing innovation, diversification, and sustainability, key stakeholders can work towards a more secure, efficient, and environmentally responsible energy future.
According to Dr. Omar, “For so long, we have been criticising what the world is telling Africa to do and we are also criticising our leaders for accepting this counsel. I recall that in November last year, the IEA came up with a report condemning fossil fuels, asking the world not to invest in them because the renewables are going to deliver by 2030, 2040 to 2050s. APPO wrote to condemn what the IEA Executive Director said. We believe he was wrong. Today, in the Wall Street Journal, I saw a story that the International Energy Agency is being criticised for misleading the world about the energy transition. In the Wall Street Journal, it was stated that the IEA once provided solid information, but today, its report can no longer be trusted; it has succumbed to politicisation. IEA’s influential demand forecast now reflects wishful thinking.”
Central to his message was the assertion that Africa must develop its energy solutions tailored to its unique needs and circumstances. While expressing scepticism about the feasibility of renewables delivering on their promises within the projected timelines, Dr. Farouk warned of potential consequences for Africa if it relies solely on external directives without adequate infrastructure or development. In this regard, the APPO Scribe stressed, “What we are saying is this; when we say that we don’t agree with certain positions that others say and prescribe to us, which our leaders have come to accept and because these institutions have built within our countries forces that they pay to propagate those positions, we are seen as been unrealistic. Our fear is that if we allow ourselves to be bamboozled into accepting all of these things, and abandoning what we have in the expectation of what we will not have, and we are sure that renewables will not materialise by 2050; we are going to be the biggest victims in the world. This is because when there is a shortage of anything (this is simple economics), those with the resources to buy will take everything, and that is exactly what is happening. If we fail to produce our energy and renewables fail to deliver, the little that we produce, we are going to be compelled to export it to Europe and America and we will continue the way we are or even worse. This is because they have the purchasing power, we don’t have it. It is exactly what is happening today, we produce and export 75% of the oil that we produce in Africa to outside Africa. And 45% of the gas that we produce also goes outside of Africa.”
“The earlier we empower our people to have access to energy, the better for our development. We have been made to believe that empowering our people to have energy is not an economic argument; I don’t believe that. I would rather empower my people to have energy, not just to have light, but to use that energy so that their production and their economic productivity will increase to the point that the government can even earn more taxation than from exporting oil. This is the vision of APPO, this is what we are pushing; it’s not easy, but we are happy to say that the Africa of today is not the Africa of yesterday”, he reaffirmed.
“If we want Africa to move forward, we need to put on a new thinking cap. For so long, our intellectuals and leaders have become just takers of prescriptions made outside our continent. The earlier we begin to scrutinise the problems and solutions that we are given, the better for our continent. In this respect, APPO is not just talking, but we are acting”, he declared.
Looking ahead, the controversy surrounding African Energy Week and Africa Oil Week highlights the complex relationships between energy, economics, environment, and social justice in Africa’s pursuit of sustainable development. As Africa navigates its energy future, it is crucial to prioritise African perspectives and solutions, balancing economic growth with environmental concerns and global climate commitments.
Rather than blindly accepting external directives, Africa must develop its energy solutions tailored to its unique needs and circumstances. This requires fostering regional cooperation, promoting domestic private-sector participation, and developing context-specific energy policies.
The African Energy Chamber, APPO, and other stakeholders are championing African energy security, recognising the continent’s vast oil and gas reserves as a game-changing opportunity to fuel industrialisation, power economic transformation, and lift millions out of energy poverty.
Ultimately, Africa’s energy future belongs to Africans. By embracing a holistic approach that incorporates renewables, gas, and oil, Africa can forge a sustainable energy path that ensures economic growth, energy access, and environmental stewardship for generations to come.