AEC targets South American partnership opportunities across African energy markets

(WO) — African Energy Chamber is promoting expanded upstream collaboration between African and South American energy companies ahead of the upcoming ARPEL Conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

AEC Executive Chairman NJ Ayuk is expected to meet with regional operators and industry leaders during the June event as Africa continues advancing upstream investment opportunities across both conventional and unconventional resource plays.

According to the chamber, Africa is expected to see approximately $41 billion in upstream capital expenditure in 2026, supported by licensing rounds and exploration activity in countries including Angola, Nigeria, Tanzania, Algeria, Sierra Leone and Equatorial Guinea.

The organization highlighted growing LNG and shale gas opportunities as key areas for potential South American participation, particularly as African countries seek technical expertise tied to unconventional development and gas monetization.

AEC pointed to Argentina’s Vaca Muerta shale development as an example of operational experience that could support future African shale and tight gas projects through technology transfer and drilling expertise.

The chamber also cited expanding LNG opportunities across Africa, including undeveloped gas resources in Mozambique and Nigeria, as operators seek to expand export capacity and strengthen global supply chains.

“The Atlantic is no longer a barrier; it is a commercial corridor,” Ayuk said. “No nation in the Southern Hemisphere is better positioned to partner with Africa on unconventional energy development than Argentina.”

The ARPEL Conference is scheduled for June 1-4 in Buenos Aires and will focus on energy cooperation across Latin America, the Caribbean and emerging international markets.