This article was written by the African Energy Chamber.
African Petroleum Ministers have withdrawn from the Africa Energies Summit (AES), taking place on May 12–14, 2026 in London.
They are concerned about the absence of local content on the agenda, as well as representation.
NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber, said “by boycotting AES in London, the African oil industry is showcasing that local content is a priority. The message is clear: If Gayle and Daniel Davidson change their policy to be more inclusive, many Africans will work with them.”
Ayuk also said both emerging and established markets are integrating local content policies within their broader project fundamentals as a way to catalyze job creation, local participation and broader skills development.
Regulation has served as a launchpad for local content development.
He also said policies such as the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act (NOGIC) and Angola’s Local Content Law, have provided a strong foundation for local content implementation – and many projects are taking the lead.
The Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project in Senegal and Mauritania not only designates a portion of gas for each domestic market but features a multi-pronged local content strategy focusing on supply chain, workforce development and social investment.
Emerging oil and gas producers such as Mozambique, with three large-scale LNG projects underway, Namibia, which eyes first oil production by 2029, and The Gambia, have all integrated local content regulations within their energy frameworks.
This approach demonstrates a commitment to Africa, making companies like Frontier that much more disappointing.
Picture from last year’s AES.