A growing call from African energy leaders is challenging the long-standing practice of hosting the Africa Energies Summit outside the continent.
South Sudan’s former Minister of Petroleum, Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth, has publicly urged Frontier, the event organizer, to move the annual summit from London to Africa — a move widely supported by the African Energy Chamber (AEC).
“We cannot keep taking the conversation about Africa outside of the continent.
“Just like it would not make sense for an event focused on Europe to be hosted in Africa, we should not be hosting an event about Africa in Europe. It is time to prioritize Africa.”
Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth, South Sudan’s former Minister of Petroleum
The summit, scheduled for May 13–15 in London, brands itself as Africa’s “premier global upstream conference,” but its location raises questions about inclusivity, representation, and tangible benefit to the continent it claims to serve.
Africa faces severe energy access challenges, with more than 600 million people lacking electricity and over 900 million without access to clean cooking solutions.
Meanwhile, investment in oil and gas has declined globally, affecting African nations that depend on these resources.
Although renewable energy investment is increasing worldwide, Africa receives only 2% of global funding.
To bridge the continent’s energy access gap, $25 billion in annual investment is required by 2030, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
The Africa Energies Summit, scheduled for May 13-15, 2025, in London, brands itself as Africa’s premier global upstream conference, bringing together industry leaders to discuss energy challenges and opportunities.
However, Gatkuoth and AEC question why such an important event continues to be held in Europe rather than in an African country that could serve as a more relevant and beneficial venue.
Gatkuoth said, “Instead of taking Africa to the world, the world should come to Africa,” By holding the summit annually in London, Frontier is reinforcing the perception that Africa is not suitable to host its own international energy conference, a misunderstanding that could have long-term negative effects on the industry’s development in the region.
Breaking the Trend of Offshore Conferences
Industry leaders argue that African voices should be prioritized in discussions regarding energy sector investments, infrastructure, and sustainability.
Holding conferences abroad often leads to misrepresentations of Africa’s energy potential and disconnects stakeholders from the realities of African markets.
Referring to Africa Oil Week, which relocated to Dubai, Gatkuoth expressed frustration over decisions that exclude Africa from its own narratives.
“We have seen the same misinterpretations by groups such as Africa Oil Week when it went to Dubai, and it needs to end.
“Africa is fully capable of hosting an international energy conference. We do not need to go abroad to discuss our own energy matters.”
Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth, South Sudan’s former Minister of Petroleum
NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of AEC, echoed Gatkuoth’s concerns, stating that Africa should take ownership of its energy discussions and stop relying on foreign venues.
“By bringing the conversation to Africa, we prioritize African interests and narratives.
“The AEC wholeheartedly agrees with Gatkuoth that the Africa Energies Summit must be brought to Africa.”
NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of AEC
As Africa continues its push for greater control over its energy sector, industry advocates argue that hosting key summits in Africa will help attract investment, foster partnerships, and advance infrastructure projects tailored to the continent’s specific needs.
With growing calls from Gatkuoth, the AEC, and other stakeholders, pressure is mounting on Frontier to rethink its approach and commit to holding the Africa Energies Summit in Africa.
Whether this shift will materialize in future editions remains to be seen, but the debate has certainly gained momentum.
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