Hydrocarbons and Sovereignty:Dr. Aubyn Tells Africa to Stand Firm at AETC 2025

At the 2025 Africa Energy Technology Conference (AETC) held in Accra on May 29-30, the CEO of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC), Dr. Tony Aubyn delivered a resounding message to delegates and policymakers across the continent: Africa must not apologize for leveraging its hydrocarbon wealth in the face of global energy transition narratives.

“Africa should not feel shy about the use of its resources, just because fossil fuels have become discredited in the minds of some people,” Dr. Aubyn asserted. “Given the amount of discovery that is occurring on the continent, we cannot afford to feel shy by using our hydrocarbons.” His comments come amid increasing international pressure on developing economies to rapidly scale down fossil fuel production, even as much of Africa continues to grapple with energy poverty and limited access to modern infrastructure. For Dr. Aubyn, the narrative needs recalibration.

“There is no law in this world that is saying stop using fossil fuels or hydrocarbons,” he emphasized. “It says transition—so move away from that. It is a process.” His call aligns with a growing school of thought advocating for a more pragmatic, Africa-centric approach to energy transition—one that recognises the continent’s right to exploit its natural resources while gradually building renewable capacity.

With new oil and gas finds on the rise across sub- Saharan Africa, Dr. Aubyn’s intervention underscores a critical point: for many African countries, hydrocarbons remain a pathway—not a barrier—to energy security, industrialisation, and economic independence.

As the global energy conversation evolves, Africa’s voice—clear, confident, and grounded in context—is becoming impossible to ignore.