The African Energy Chamber will spearhead a high-level delegation to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela from 22 to 26 February 2026 in a bid to strengthen bilateral oil and gas cooperation between Africa and one of the world’s most oil-rich nations. The visit marks a concerted effort to expand strategic energy links, encourage investment and foster collaboration between energy stakeholders on both sides of the Atlantic.
Venezuela, an honorary member of the African Petroleum Producers Organization, has historically supported African energy producers and shared a common interest in strengthening global south cooperation on hydrocarbons, energy security and resource development. The delegation will comprise senior energy sector representatives, investors and officials who plan to engage with Venezuelan government authorities, business leaders and industry players to explore partnership opportunities and align on future projects.
At the heart of the initiative is a desire to tackle long-standing challenges in global energy access and drive unified approaches to addressing energy poverty, particularly across Africa and Latin America. The African Energy Chamber’s Executive Chairman, NJ Ayuk, emphasised that the mission is to “promote our joint interest in making African energy poverty history,” while working with Venezuelan counterparts to revitalise oil production and create broader opportunities for investment and development.
The delegation’s agenda is expected to include high-level meetings focused on strengthening trade and investment ties, identifying joint ventures, and enabling greater resource sharing between the two regions. Discussions are likely to encompass technical cooperation, capacity building and frameworks that support mutually beneficial energy investments. These dialogues are part of a broader push to enhance collaboration in key energy sectors such as upstream exploration, refining, and distribution.
Venezuela’s potential role as a strategic partner stems from its vast hydrocarbon reserves, estimated among the largest in the world, which could complement African production capacities and drive shared economic growth. Energy experts believe that such collaborations could generate significant advantages for both regions by enabling knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and expanded market access. Recent engagements between the two parties suggest a growing interest in establishing deeper ties that transcend historical cooperation, placing emphasis on sustainable investment, energy security, and joint development initiatives.
Beyond oil and gas cooperation, the discussions also signal a broader trend of South-South partnerships gaining prominence in global energy governance. Many energy producers in Africa and Latin America are seeking collaborative frameworks that not only bolster local economies but also reduce reliance on traditional Western energy systems and supply chains. This delegation could serve as a catalyst for further diplomatic and commercial engagements between regional energy stakeholders.
As the 2026 delegation unfolds, it remains to be seen how concrete agreements will be translated into long-term projects, though expectations are high that meaningful investment flows and cooperative ventures will emerge. The visit reinforces the African Energy Chamber’s role as a key advocate for African energy interests on the global stage, while also demonstrating Venezuela’s willingness to deepen strategic economic relationships beyond its immediate regional neighbours.
