African Energy Chamber’s NJ Ayuk Named Among Africa’s Most Influential. City, Country — NJ Ayuk, the Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber (AEC), has been recognized as one of Africa’s Most Influential Africans of 2025 by New African magazine.
The accolade highlights Ayuk’s dedication to advocating for Africa’s energy independence and sustainable development.
According to New African, the MIA list recognizes leaders, innovators, and change — makers whose work impacts Africa’s political, economic, and social landscapes. Notable figures on this year’s list include Angola’s President João Lourenço, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and Ghana’s President John Mahama. Ayuk’s inclusion reflects his role as a prominent advocate for Africa’s energy rights.
He has consistently emphasized the importance of hydrocarbons, particularly natural gas, in Africa’s development path. “With more than 600 million Africans lacking access to electricity and nearly a billion without clean cooking solutions, hydrocarbons remain essential to Africa’s development, “Ayuk stated.
Under Ayuk’s leadership, the AEC has become a platform for African producers, policymakers, and investors, focusing on articulating African priorities in global energy discussions.
The organization has challenged global energy double standards and promoted fairness, sovereignty, and realism in Africa’s energy conversation. “Many were not always with us, but now they feel proud about #DrillBabyDrill and Africa’s unapologetic right to produce every drop of hydrocarbons it can find to get our people out of energy poverty,” Ayuk added.
The AEC has organized events like African Energy Week and engaged in media and policy advocacy, amplifying Africa’s voice in global energy discussions. Ayuk expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “As long as I am the Chairman of the AEC, Africans and the energy sector will always have a champion fighting the good fight. No fight is bigger than Making Energy Poverty History.
” The recognition by New African serves as a testament to Ayuk’s commitment to advancing Africa’s energy future and his influence in shaping the continent’s development trajectory.
