Cape Town: The African Energy Chamber (AEC) and the oil industry have reaffirmed their commitment to Africa's energy development, despite facing criticism and disruptive actions from foreign-funded environmental groups. The collaboration aims to address energy poverty across the continent through continued advocacy for offshore exploration and production.
According to African Press Organization, organizations like Extinction Rebellion have persistently targeted the oil and gas sector, resorting to violent and disruptive tactics rather than peaceful protests. In 2025, activists from Shut the System sabotaged internet cables in London, declaring an ongoing campaign against those they hold responsible for global warming. Similarly, Just Stop Oil has engaged in various disruptive acts, including attacks on cultural landmarks and infrastructure to oppose the industry.
The AEC criticizes these groups for not appreciating the unique challenges faced by African countries such as Mali, Mozambique, and Namibia. With over 600 million Africans lacking access to electricity and 900 million without clean cooking solutions, the AEC argues that oil and gas exploration is crucial for the continent's development. The chamber sees these attacks as hypocritical, particularly when countries like Norway, the UK, and the US continue their own energy projects unchallenged.
Moraig Peden and Extinction Rebellion have been accused of having a Eurocentric perspective that disregards the energy needs of African populations. Ayuk of the AEC concludes that these challenges will not deter their efforts to combat energy poverty and industrialize Africa, criticizing the foreign-funded green groups for their perceived dishonesty and hypocrisy. The chamber remains steadfast in its mission to ensure energy access for all Africans.