by DION HENRICK
CAPE TOWN – THE African energy sector is rallying behind a call for an industry-wide boycott of the Africa Energies Summit, citing concerns over racial exclusion and the absence of Black African representation within the leadership of the event’s organizing company.
The boycott call was issued by the African Energy Chamber (AEC) – the voice of the African energy sector – in response to the upcoming summit hosted by Frontier Energy Network in London from May 12–14.
The conference promotes itself as “Africa’s Premier Global Upstream Conference.”
However, critics say the company, led by Daniel Davidson, does not include Black African professionals in its leadership structure, raising serious questions about the authenticity of its Africa-focused branding.
For decades, African professionals and institutions have worked tirelessly to defend and develop the continent’s oil and gas industry.
Industry advocates have championed improved fiscal regimes, enabling policy environments, fair licensing opportunities and a balanced energy transition that supports Africa’s economic growth.
Yet the continued exclusion of African professionals from key leadership positions in organizations claiming to represent Africa’s energy future remains a growing concern.
Local content policies, long promoted across the continent, are intended to ensure African participation across the energy value chain. Industry leaders argue these commitments must be reflected not only in conference discussions but also in real corporate practices, including hiring, leadership development, and supplier opportunities for African professionals.
“We will not accept being ‘Blacked-out’ the oil and gas industry. We want an industry that is welcoming and open, that is inclusive and supportive. People like Daniel Davidson take the opposite approach by refusing to hire black Africans. They take it one step further by even banning people from entering the room,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.
The chamber points to examples within the industry where African inclusion has proven both effective and commercially successful.
Independent oil and gas company Africa Fortesa Corporation, led by Rogers Beall, has prioritized the employment of African professionals while operating the Gadiaga onshore gas field in Senegal, contributing to domestic energy supply for nearly two decades.
“We are inspired everyday by people such as Rogers Beall. When you go to Senegal and see what he has done with Fortesa, you will be amazed. He has achieved this with majority African employees,” Ayuk added.
The message from industry leaders is clear: Africa’s energy future must be shaped by Africans themselves. As the continent’s energy sector grows and new professionals enter the workforce, meaningful representation and equal opportunity will remain essential to building a credible and inclusive industry.
– CAJ News
