The Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber (AEC), NJ Ayuk, has called for increased investment in energy production, arguing that the world faces an energy supply challenge rather than an energy shortage.

Speaking at the ARPEL Conference 2026 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Mr.Ayuk urged policymakers, investors and industry leaders to focus on expanding energy access and production to meet growing global demand and address persistent energy poverty.

According to him, more than 600 million Africans still lack access to electricity, while nearly one billion people on the continent do not have access to clean cooking technologies, making increased energy production essential for economic development and improved living standards.

“The world does not have an energy problem. It has an energy supply problem,” Ayuk stated, adding that developing economies should not be pressured to reduce energy production while millions remain without access to modern energy services.

He noted that Africa possesses significant oil and gas resources, including more than 125 billion barrels of crude oil reserves and 620 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves, yet continues to face challenges in attracting sufficient investment across the energy value chain.

Mr. Ayuk argued that declining investment in oil and gas projects, coupled with pressure from some environmental advocacy groups, could undermine efforts to achieve industrialisation and energy security across the continent.

He highlighted ongoing efforts by countries such as Nigeria, Angola, Namibia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Ivory Coast and the Republic of Congo to increase oil and gas production through exploration, field development and infrastructure investments.

Drawing comparisons with Latin America, Ayuk pointed to successful energy developments in Brazil, Guyana and Argentina as examples of how sustained investment in exploration and production can support economic growth and energy security.

He stressed that governments must create an enabling environment for investment, exploration and development if they are to meet rising energy demand and accelerate economic transformation.

According to Ayuk, affordable, reliable and abundant energy remains essential for development, industrialisation and job creation, particularly in emerging economies where energy poverty continues to affect millions of people.