African energy sector taps Stryk Global for U.S. policy push

• Stryk Global Diplomacy picked to spearhead talks on oil and gas between Africa and U.S. President Donald Trump.
• The deal aims at ensuring that Africa’s energy interests are well represented in U.S. legislative and policy discussions.
• “Africans need energy to fix energy poverty issues and spur economic growth,” said Stryk Global Diplomacy.

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) —a lobby that represents the African energy sector–has enlisted the services of a global consulting firm, Stryk Global Diplomacy (SGD), to spearhead talks on oil and gas between the continent and U.S. President Donald Trump administration.

In an update on Tuesday, the African Energy Chamber said the move aims at ensuring that Africa’s energy interests are effectively represented in U.S. legislative and policy discussions.

“Stryk is a super Lobbyist. He understands Africa and he gets results. He is adaptive and forward-thinking. He achieves results by building consensus. I am confident he is going to help give the African energy sector a voice in Washington,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

He added, “Given that 600 million people on the continent lack access to electricity and 900 million people lack access to clean cooking technologies, it’s impossible — even inhumane — to discuss climate change without addressing energy poverty.

What Stryk Global Diplomacy is tasked to do on African energy issues

Stryk Global Diplomacy will also be tasked with facilitating greater capital and technology injection by U.S. firms keep on investing in emerging oil and gas projects in economies in Africa.

This strategic partnership is also billed to firm up President Trump administration’s understanding of Africa’s vital role in enhancing global energy security, while fostering greater investment and cooperation.

“The notion that producing energy in Africa will lead to a ‘carbon bomb’ is misleading and ignores the critical need for energy access across the continent. Our partnership with SGD is a crucial step in ensuring U.S. policymakers understand the importance of oil and gas in Africa’s economic development. Energy poverty remains one of the biggest threats to Africa’s future, and we must work with partners who recognize that natural gas is not the problem – it is part of the solution,” notes NJ Ayuk.

The consulting company will also be charged with advising the AEC on fostering a more inclusive and constructive approach to G20 energy dialogues in the lead-up to and during the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference – taking place in Cape Town from September 29 to October 3, 2025.

Read also: The future of Africa’s energy sector: Balancing fossil fuels and renewables

Lobby to address financing and policy issues

Further, the collaboration will address ongoing challenges such as financing and policy issues that impact African oil and gas projects. Led by Founder and Chairman Robert Stryk, SGD offers strategic diplomatic solutions, making it a strong partner for the AEC as it works to accelerate energy development across the continent.

“Africa needs to produce energy for its people, its development and meet global demand so we avoid volatile energy markets that hurt both American and African consumers,” stated Stryk.

“Vilifying Africa’s energy industry—the economic engine of multiple nations—because it is based on fossil fuels, although the proportion of renewables is growing, is not justified. Africans need energy to fix energy poverty issues and spur economic growth. They should be allowed to make their own choices. Our firm will work to bring energy matters of Africans to the important decision markets globally.”

At the moment, Africa’s oil and gas industry is grappling with mounting pressure from climate groups and stringent Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) regulations that threaten to slam the breaks on progress across economies.

The new collaboration is, however, expected to tackle these challenges, with finance and climate policies being the most pressing.

In recent years, regulations restricting oil and gas financing have limited Africa’s ability to develop its natural resources. For example, the European Union, which is a key trading partner has sought to reduce or cut funding for fossil fuel projects, while environmental organizations such as Greenpeace continue to oppose lending.

Already, a total of 11 European banks have cut access to financing for upstream oil and gas projects, despite rising demand across the EU and broader global economy.

“Africa needs to produce energy for its people, its development and meet global demand so we avoid volatile energy markets that hurt both American and African consumers,” counsels African Energy Chamber.

In this context, the U.S. —with its extensive network of major oil and gas companies and financial institutions—stands to play a key role. African national oil companies, indigenous firms, independents and international energy companies are struggling to secure the financing needed to develop new oil and gas projects and combat energy poverty.

US expected to increase presence in Africa’s energy sector

However, strengthened collaboration with the U.S. could reverse this trend. The U.S. is not only one of the world’s largest oil and gas producers but, under its new administration, is expected to have an increased presence in Africa’s energy sector. There are significant opportunities for U.S. oil and gas companies in Africa.

This year, Africa’s mature oil producers—Angola, Libya, and Nigeria—are launching licensing rounds to attract new exploration investments. At the same time, emerging markets such as Senegal, Namibia, and Ivory Coast are also seeking more upstream funding after major offshore discoveries.

Meanwhile, Gabon, Ghana, Equatorial Guinea, and Algeria face the risk of finance and production phase-outs, threatening their economies and energy security.

Africa’s natural gas sector, with over 620 trillion cubic feet of proven reserves, presents an opportunity for energy expansion and lower emissions. Over 600 million people lack electricity, while 900 million rely on biomass for cooking. Natural gas, a cleaner-burning fuel, could drive industrialization and economic growth.

Major projects such as Mozambique’s Rovuma Basin, Senegal and Mauritania’s Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG, Tanzania LNG, and Congo’s Marine XII permit could reshape Africa’s energy landscape. However, more investment is needed to tackle energy poverty effectively.