The Bureau News
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – July 23, 2025 — The African Energy Chamber (AEC) has strongly rebuked renewed criticism from foreign-funded environmental groups targeting Africa’s oil and gas industry, describing the attacks as hypocritical and detrimental to the continent’s energy future.
In response to a recent article by Extinction Rebellion spokesperson Moraig Peden, which condemned South Africa’s offshore oil and gas projects, the AEC described the opposition as “a direct attack on the African population,” especially the 600 million people living without access to electricity and the over 900 million lacking clean cooking solutions.
“Oil and gas exploration is not a luxury in Africa — it is a necessity,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. “We will not allow foreign groups with Eurocentric views to dictate Africa’s development trajectory. Africans have the right to harness their natural resources to fight poverty, improve healthcare, and build sustainable economies.”
Foreign Activism vs African Realities
Peden’s article criticizes South Africa’s offshore exploration activities as incompatible with climate goals, despite operators having secured legal environmental authorizations. The AEC contends that such criticisms reflect a lack of understanding of Africa’s unique energy needs and development challenges.
“Foreign activists fail to protest similar activities in the North Sea, Norway, or the Gulf of Mexico, yet relentlessly attack Africa’s legitimate efforts to industrialize,” Ayuk said.
The Chamber referenced the disruptive and sometimes destructive actions of groups like Extinction Rebellion, Just Stop Oil, Greenpeace, and Shut the System, accusing them of climate-motivated sabotage and promoting anti-African agendas.
Examples cited include:
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Greenpeace‘s legal battles against oil majors like Shell and TotalEnergies operating in African waters despite environmental clearances.
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Just Stop Oil’s high-profile vandalism, including defacing artworks and blocking infrastructure in the UK.
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Shut the System’s sabotage of internet cables in London earlier in 2025.
“These organizations often ignore the poverty, power outages, and limited access to healthcare faced by ordinary Africans,” Ayuk added.
‘Africa and Oil: A Bromance for Survival’
Ayuk emphasized that the Chamber remains steadfast in its mission to eradicate energy poverty by advocating for investment in Africa’s oil and gas sector. He reaffirmed the AEC’s support for the upcoming Africa Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies summit.
“We at the Chamber expected these attacks. They always come when Africa gathers to plan its energy future. But we will not be deterred,” Ayuk said. “This is a fight for generations. We’re not quitting until energy poverty is history.”
He criticized what he called “Mantashe Derangement Syndrome” — a reference to Minister Gwede Mantashe, South Africa’s staunch proponent of energy sovereignty — accusing critics of being more interested in Western climate politics than African progress.
A Call for Fair Dialogue
Ayuk concluded by urging environmental groups to engage in honest conversations and support Africa’s right to balanced development that includes clean energy, but also utilizes available oil and gas resources.
“You cannot ask Africans to stay in the dark while you power your industries with fossil fuels. That is not environmental justice; that is neo-colonialism in green clothing,” he said.
The African Energy Chamber reaffirmed its commitment to work with governments, oil companies, and African communities to ensure responsible exploration, energy access, and regional growth.