While framed as a challenge to one company’s environmental performance, the campaign reflects a broader pattern of NGO-led attacks on African oil development. As the voice of the African energy sector, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) strongly condemns the attack, recognizing it as a direct attempt to stop Perenco’s activities, limit DRC oil exploration and prevent any meaningful development across the country’s economy.

The scrutiny follows allegations published by Human Rights Watch regarding environmental impacts linked to Perenco’s operations in Muanda, as well as a government-commissioned environmental review that identified areas requiring further attention. Perenco has disputed aspects of the findings, maintaining that it operates in accordance with applicable regulations and has implemented environmental management measures across its operations.

For the AEC, this latest report demonstrates a tactic whereby NGOs rely on sensationalized rhetoric rather than facts and technical evaluations to promote a false narrative about energy companies’ operations. This approach has been seen across other smear campaigns, and the AEC strongly urges the Government of the DRC to be careful not to fall into this trap.

Perenco has operated in the DRC for more than two decades, establishing itself as the country’s only producing oil operator through its onshore subsidiary Perenco Rep and offshore subsidiary Muanda International Oil Company. The company’s operations support average combined production of approximately 19,500 barrels of oil per day and employ around 1,500 DRC nationals, contributing to local economic activity and the country’s energy sector.

Beyond production, Perenco has invested in infrastructure and community development initiatives in Muanda. Through its 20 MW gas-fired power plant, the company supplies electricity to local installations, including those of the Société Nationale d’Électricité, while also providing power to the city of Muanda and surrounding villages.

The company has also supported community programs focused on education, healthcare, infrastructure, water access, electricity, employment, culture, sport and environmental initiatives. Across its global operations, Perenco has highlighted efforts to improve environmental management, reduce emissions and strengthen operational efficiency.

“Africa cannot afford to drive away the companies that are investing in our future,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. “Perenco has spent more than two decades operating in the DRC, creating jobs, supporting communities, investing in infrastructure and helping deliver energy where it is needed most. Companies operating in Africa must be held accountable, but accountability cannot become a pretext for undermining responsible investors who are helping African countries develop their resources and fight energy poverty.”

The AEC believes responsible resource development requires both strong environmental oversight and recognition of the companies working to create economic opportunity across the continent. Africa cannot achieve industrialization, strengthen energy security or expand access to reliable power without investment from experienced operators with the technical expertise and capital required to develop its resources.

The DRC, like many African countries, faces the challenge of balancing environmental protection with the need to leverage its natural resources for economic transformation. Achieving this balance requires strong regulatory institutions, transparent processes and partnerships between governments, companies and communities.

As global competition for energy investment intensifies, Africa must ensure that legitimate environmental discussions do not become a broader deterrent to responsible development. The continent’s future depends on attracting companies committed to long-term partnerships, responsible operations and delivering shared value.

The AEC will continue advocating for an energy sector that supports both environmental responsibility and economic progress, recognizing that Africa’s development goals require investment, expertise and partnerships.

Presented to international investors and industry stakeholders in London, the country’s regulatory framework establishes a combined government take as low as 20% on greenfield upstream projects through a streamlined fiscal system that replaces more than 20 legacy taxes. According to industry analysis shared during the showcase, the reforms position Venezuela among Latin America’s most competitive upstream jurisdictions.

The new terms, set out in implementing regulations signed into force in July, pair a variable royalty with the Integrated Hydrocarbons Tax to produce combined rates of 20% for greenfield developments and 25% for extra-heavy and diluted crude projects. The windfall tax and shadow tax – both previously identified by investors as barriers to high-CapEx developments – have been repealed.

Carlos Bellorin, Executive Vice President of Macro Analysis at Welligence Energy Analytics, said his firm has modeled expansion under the new framework and found Venezuela’s terms highly competitive on a global scale. Production has recovered to approximately 1.2 million barrels per day, he said, with Welligence forecasting output to reach between 1.4 million and 1.6 million barrels per day by the end of 2026.

“Below two million barrels per day it’s an OpEx game,” Bellorin said. “After that, you need the big companies to come in.”

Juan Carlos Andrade, CEO of Araya Energy Group and Director and Legal Counsel at the Venezuelan Petroleum Chamber, said the regulatory overhaul has removed constraints that previously forced operators to resolve shortcomings through contractual workarounds. Operators now have the right to trade their own barrels, manage their own cash flow and develop on-site power generation.

“This is no longer a theory,” Andrade said. “What exists is an opportunity.”

Andrade projected that Productive Participation Contracts could deliver between 250,000 and 500,000 barrels per day, with mixed operating companies contributing a similar volume. Combined, these two contract structures are expected to form the foundation of Venezuela’s near-term production growth.

The London Industry Showcase marks the first in a series of international engagements leading up to Venezuela Energy Week 2026, taking place October 26-29 in Caracas. The event will convene government officials, international operators, investors and technology providers to examine the country’s evolving regulatory framework, upstream opportunities and long-term energy development strategy.

Supporting Venezuela’s Earthquake Recovery

Our thoughts are with the people and communities affected by the recent earthquakes in Venezuela. As the country begins the long process of recovery, we encourage members of the global energy community to support relief and reconstruction efforts through the CAF Recovery and Reconstruction Fund for Venezuela, which channels contributions from individuals, companies and organizations to emergency assistance, essential services and long-term rebuilding efforts.

To learn more or make a contribution, please visit the CAF Recovery and Reconstruction Fund for Venezuela (https://apo-opa.co/4xdED11).

This issue explores the innovations transforming underground mining, with a strong focus on improving safety, productivity, and operational efficiency. Sponsored by UMS Group (https://apo-opa.co/3S81U5I) (https://UMSint.com/), the underground mining feature examines how digital technologies are reshaping modern mining operations.

DOWNLOAD MRA ISSUE 4 HERE: (https://apo-opa.co/4vVGeaP)

Leading this edition is the cover story, “Invincible Valves: Driving global growth through engineering excellence,” which highlights how the company continues to expand its international footprint through innovation and engineering expertise.

Readers can also explore a range of exclusive features, including:

• Trinity Metals: Driving Rwanda’s critical minerals expansion (https://apo-opa.co/4xhybGE), examining the company’s role in developing one of Africa’s emerging critical minerals hubs.

• Trident: Redefining tailings management in Africa (https://apo-opa.co/3TOKT0S), showcasing innovative approaches to safer and more sustainable tailings storage.

• Digitising the deep: A pragmatic approach to underground mining technology (https://apo-opa.co/4x7NGkc), featuring Cementation Africa’s perspective on the practical adoption of digital solutions underground.

• KEFI Gold: Tulu Kapi achieves liftoff (https://apo-opa.co/3S5B4Ly), providing an update on one of East Africa’s most anticipated gold developments.

• Mental health: Under the hard hat is a human (https://apo-opa.co/4vWgmvp), exploring the growing importance of mental wellbeing across the mining industry.

Beyond underground mining, Issue 4 shines a spotlight on water management strategies, highlighting technologies and practices that help mines improve water efficiency and sustainability.

The edition also features the latest developments from East Africa, highlighting mining projects gaining momentum across the region and exploring how sustainable mining value chains can support long-term growth and industry resilience.

In addition, readers can access a special Electra Mining Africa preview, offering an early look at one of the continent’s premier mining, industrial and technology exhibitions.

Whether you are a mining executive, engineer, supplier, investor or industry professional, Mining Review Africa Issue 4 provides valuable insights into the trends and opportunities driving the sector.

Download your FREE (https://apo-opa.co/4vVGeaP) copy of Mining Review Africa Issue 4 today and stay informed with the latest developments from across Africa’s mining industry.