It is disheartening to witness individuals such as Richard Worthington actively targeting the African Energy Chamber; however, we remain undeterred in our mission to promote investment and drive transformation across Africa.
Independent researcher and activist Richard Worthington has resorted to disparagement to gain attention, publishing a critical article against the African Energy Chamber (AEC) and its flagship event, African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy. He argues that it is essential to challenge the self-serving narratives of opportunists who, under the guise of advocating for the impoverished, seek favorable financing to sustain the profitability of fossil fuel extraction. Instead of utilizing his platform to delve into the underlying causes of Africa's persistent energy crisis, Worthington opted to criticize the very organization that is actively working to address this issue.
The AEC has faced numerous criticisms over the years as it strives to attract investment, advocate for Africa’s energy narrative, and foster meaningful development across the continent. However, these challenges pale in comparison to the daily realities in Africa, where more than 600 million individuals still lack access to electricity.
This situation is a stark reminder of the countless people living in darkness, the untapped potential, and the uncertain futures of many Africans. The AEC, which indeed represents the voice of the African energy sector, will persist in facing criticism, just as we remain committed to eradicating energy poverty. Such attacks often arise as we approach Africa’s leading event for the energy sector, aimed at bringing together African energy stakeholders and global investors to tackle the industry's most urgent challenges.
The focus should not be on maintaining the profitability of fossil fuel extraction; rather, it should be on channeling those profits into Africa. Worthington neglects to acknowledge that for decades, the benefits of Africa's fossil fuel resources have primarily accrued to Western corporations and nations. Africa has not been able to leverage its resources for its own development, remaining stagnant while the rest of the world progresses.
As Africa begins to harness its resources for its own growth, individuals like Worthington dismiss this as a relic of the past. What alternatives does he offer? None. He merely suggests that the continent should abandon its aspirations. By this reasoning, Africa should accept a state of poverty and underdevelopment in the name of climate change.
It is disheartening to witness someone resort to sensationalism for attention. It is equally troubling to see criticism directed at an industry that has the potential to not only develop Africa but also to transform it through inclusive business initiatives, extensive infrastructure development, and broad economic investment. Richard Worthington's recent critique is just one of many faced by the AEC from those who seem intent on keeping Africa in the shadows. Nevertheless, we remain resolute. We will not allow this blatant attack on Africa to deter us from our mission—to eradicate energy poverty.
It is important to clarify our position: we are not focused on projected revenues; our primary goal is to empower Africa to achieve the same level of development as its western counterparts. Fossil fuels play a crucial role in this process. Additionally, renewable energy, hydrogen, and alternative fuels are equally vital, which is why we remain strong proponents of a just transition that utilizes every available resource on the continent in a cohesive manner. Our stance is not against ESG principles; rather, we oppose the idea that development must adhere to a western model.
Through initiatives like AEW: Invest in African Energy, we present clear strategies for simultaneously reducing emissions and improving energy security. We identify the major challenges facing the continent and offer actionable solutions. We engage in partnerships, facilitate collaboration, and mobilize investments in local communities and projects.
We eagerly anticipate the participation of the entire industry at AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024 and extend an invitation to the media to join us. They will discover that this is not merely a platform for empty rhetoric and broad statements. Instead, it represents a movement aimed at eradicating energy poverty.
This is an opportunity to forge agreements and advance meaningful projects across various sectors—not just oil and gas, but also infrastructure, power generation, hydrogen, and beyond. This is a pivotal moment to transform Africa's future and establish a new development trajectory characterized by integration, inclusivity, and a pro-African perspective. We look forward to seeing you in Cape Town on November 4.