Africa asserts its right to energy: a call to exploit hydrocarbons for development (NJ AYUK)

L’Afrique se trouve à un carrefour crucial concernant son développement économique et énergétique. Alors que les nations occidentales ont historiquement utilisé le pétrole, le gaz naturel et d’autres combustibles fossiles pour alimenter leur croissance économique et industrielle, devenant ainsi des puissances économiques, une question d’équité se pose : les nations africaines devraient-elles se priver de leurs ressources naturelles au nom de la transition énergétique mondiale ? NJ Ayuk, Président de la Chambre Africaine de l’Énergie, explore cette problématique en soulignant les besoins immédiats et les perspectives futures des pays africains en matière d’énergie.

Development through fossil fuels

The example of Western nations

Western countries have built their robust economies on the abundant exploitation of fossil fuels. This exploitation has enabled the creation of flourishing industries, promoting economic growth and improved living conditions. Today, these countries enjoy a high standard of living and sophisticated infrastructure. This prosperity is undeniably linked to a period of intensive use of oil and gas resources.

Africa and its resources

Like their Western counterparts, African countries also have vast reserves of oil and natural gas. For many of these nations, exploiting these resources represents an opportunity to lift millions of people out of poverty, improve infrastructure and stimulate the economy. Depriving Africa of this opportunity could hamper its development and keep its people in precarious situations.

Energy Transition: A Choice, Not an Imposition

The Need for Immediate Electricity

The transition to a green economy is a laudable and necessary long-term objective. However, imposing this transition on African countries without taking into account their current energy needs would be unfair. In Africa, access to electricity is crucial to development. Going from "darkness to darkness" by refusing to exploit available hydrocarbons is not a viable solution. People need electricity now to power their homes, schools and businesses.

Energy self-determination

African nations must be able to decide their own pace of energy transition. They can start by exploiting their hydrocarbon resources to meet immediate needs and, at the same time, gradually invest in renewable energies. This approach would ensure stable economic growth while preparing for a more sustainable future.

According to NJ Ayuk, the question of exploiting energy resources in Africa is one of justice and pragmatism. African nations have the right to take advantage of their natural resources to improve the lot of their populations, just as Western nations have done in the past. The transition to a green economy must be an inclusive process that respects local realities. Enabling African countries to develop their energy resources is essential to ensure equitable and sustainable economic growth.