AEC Presses Event Firms Over African Hiring Gaps Johannesburg, South Africa — The African Energy Chamber has renewed demands that international organisers of Africa-focused oil, gas and mining conferences embed African professionals—especially Black women—in senior roles, warning it will “exercise our lawful right to protest” if progress stalls.
According to local reports, the Chamber singled out London — based Frontier Energy Network and global exhibitions group Hyve, arguing that both draw sizeable sponsorship and delegate income from African markets yet lack African representation on executive or board levels. Official statements indicate the campaign is timed to coincide with next month’s Africa Energies Summit, organised by Frontier.
Sources close to the matter say Chamber Executive Chairman NJ Ayuk has asked companies to publish hiring data and commit to inclusive recruitment, stating: “Africa cannot champion local content at home while tolerating exclusion abroad.
” Frontier chief executive Gayle Meikle, who was born in Zimbabwe, countered on a social-media post that she “is an African woman” and cautioned against narrow definitions of identity. She gave no formal pledge on personnel changes; further details were not immediately available.
Hyve Group, which runs Mining Indaba and Africa Oil Week, has faced similar criticism since 2024.
Official statements indicate the Chamber wants the firm to disclose tax contributions to African treasuries and to place Africans in leadership positions, arguing that “inclusion cannot stop at the podium. ” Hyve has yet to respond publicly.
Regional officials confirmed the dispute is being watched by state — owned enterprises that are legally bound to uphold domestic local-content rules when engaging foreign partners.
Independent observers say some firms are privately reviewing attendance plans, though no withdrawals have been announced.
The situation remains developing.
Further details are expected.
