Africa’s Oil & Gas Sector hires lobbyists to push agenda in Washington
Lobbying the US to invest in African O&G
The African Energy Chamber (AEC) has enlisted international consulting firm, Stryk Global Diplomacy (SGD), to support oil and gas engagement between the US and Africa in a bid to ensure that the continent’s energy interests are effectively represented
It is hoped that this will also facilitate greater capital and technology injection by US firms into African oil and gas projects.
SGD will also advise the AEC on fostering a more inclusive and constructive approach to G20 energy dialogues in the lead-up to and during the African Energy Week (AEW) scheduled for October this year.
The collaboration will address ongoing challenges such as financing and policy issues that impact African oil and gas projects. Led by Founder and Chairman Robert Stryk, SGD offers strategic diplomatic solutions, making it a strong partner for the AEC as it works to accelerate energy development across the continent.
“Africa needs to produce energy for its people, its development and meet global demand so we avoid volatile energy markets that hurt both American and African consumers,” stated Stryk.
“Vilifying Africa’s energy industry - the economic engine of multiple nations - because it is based on fossil fuels, although the proportion of renewables is growing, is not justified. Africans need energy to fix energy poverty issues and spur economic growth. They should be allowed to make their own choices.”
“Vilifying Africa’s energy industry - the economic engine of multiple nations - because it is based on fossil fuels, although the proportion of renewables is growing, is not justified. Africans need energy to fix energy poverty issues and spur economic growth. They should be allowed to make their own choices.”
The AEC is concerned that regulations restricting oil and gas financing are limiting Africa’s ability to develop its natural resources. Notably, the European Union has sought to reduce or eliminate funding for fossil fuel projects, while environmental organisations such as Greenpeace continue to oppose lending.
The Council believes that the US – with its extensive network of major oil and gas companies and financial institutions – stands to play a key role. African national oil companies, indigenous firms, independents and international energy companies are struggling to secure the financing needed to develop new oil and gas projects and combat energy poverty.
Opportunities for investment
The US is not only one of the world’s largest oil and gas producers but, under its new administration, is expected to have an increased presence in Africa’s energy sector.
In the oil sector, Africa’s mature producers including Angola, Libya and Nigeria are launching licensing rounds in 2025 to attract fresh investment in exploration projects. Emerging markets such as Senegal, Namibia and Ivory Coast are also seeking increased upstream investment following billion-barrel offshore discoveries.
According to AEC, countries like Gabon, Ghana, Equatorial Guinea and Algeria – some of the continent’s largest oil producers – are facing potential phase-out of finance and production.
Meanwhile, Africa’s natural gas sector, with over 620 trillion cubic feet of proven reserves, offers the promise of increased energy supplies and reduced emissions. As a cleaner-burning fuel, natural gas offers a sustainable pathway to industrialisation and economic empowerment.
Major projects like Mozambique’s Rovuma Basin developments, Senegal and Mauritania’s Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG, Tanzania LNG and the Republic of Congo’s Marine XII permit have the potential to transform the continent’s energy matrix, but more investment is needed to address energy poverty effectively.
“Stryk is a super Lobbyist. He understands Africa and he gets results. He is adaptive and forward-thinking. He achieves results by building consensus. I am confident he is going to help give the African energy sector a voice in Washington,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.
“The notion that producing energy in Africa will lead to a ‘carbon bomb’ is misleading and ignores the critical need for energy access across the continent. Our partnership with SGD is a crucial step in ensuring US policymakers understand the importance of oil and gas in Africa’s economic development. Energy poverty remains one of the biggest threats to Africa’s future, and we must work with partners who recognise that natural gas is not the problem – it is part of the solution,” concluded Ayuk.
SGD is no stranger to lobbying on behalf of African interests. As a Republican lobbyist he reported being contacted by several African countries after the Trump victory was announced last year. In 2022, Stryk was hired to represent Isabel dos Santos, the daughter of the former Angolan President, interests to the Biden administration when she faced corruption charges in her home country.
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