Ayuk to launch book on Angola’s oil turnaround, reforms September 2
By Eyo Nnsima
Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber (AEC), NJ Ayuk, is set to launch his latest book, Crude Oil: Power, Turnaround and Transformation in Angola, in Luanda, Angola, on September 2, 2026.
The book launch, scheduled for the InterContinental Luanda Miramar from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., will focus attention on Angola’s oil and gas reforms, renewed investment interest, local content development and the country’s long-term energy prospects.
Announcing the launch, Ayuk described the event as more than a literary occasion, saying it would celebrate “Angola’s remarkable energy story, the reform journey underway, and the growing confidence around the country’s oil and gas future.”
According to him, Crude Oil is a review of Angola’s oil turnaround as well as an examination of the people and policies driving changes in the industry.
He said the book reflects on “the changemakers who are reshaping the sector: reform-minded policymakers, industry leaders, local entrepreneurs, technical experts, and the many Angolans whose work is turning ambition into progress.”
Ayuk said the publication also examines “the projects, data, and policy shifts that matter to oil markets,” particularly renewed international oil company (IOC) investment, stronger local content rules and efforts to create a more competitive environment for capital and talent.
He expressed strong confidence in Angola’s reform programme, noting that the country’s experience demonstrates how policy changes can rebuild investor confidence and stimulate investment.
“I remain optimistic about Angola,” Ayuk said.
He added: “The country has shown that reform can restore credibility, investment can return after a lost decade, and local content can become a strategic pillar rather than an afterthought.”
According to him, Angola’s progress provides an important lesson for African oil-producing countries seeking to revive investment and maximise the value of their petroleum resources.
“That is why I remain bullish on Angola’s reforms, bullish on investment, and bullish on the country’s long-term role in Africa’s energy future,” he stated.
Ayuk also expressed appreciation to the individuals and organisations that contributed to the book, saying their participation helped provide a deeper account of Angola’s energy transformation.
“I am deeply grateful to everyone who agreed to speak with me and share their time, insight, and experience,” he said.
“Their openness helped bring the book to life and ensured that the story of Angola’s energy sector is told with honesty, depth, and respect,” he added.
The book launch comes as Angola continues efforts to strengthen its position as one of Africa’s leading oil and gas investment destinations, following years of declining production and subdued upstream investment.
Ayuk said Angola’s experience should also be viewed within the wider African energy debate, particularly around the need for the continent to develop its natural resources to address energy shortages, support industrialisation and create employment.
He said he was grateful that Angola had “consistently supported our unapologetic push for oil and gas development in Angola and across Africa.”
According to him, that support has helped advance “a larger conversation about energy security, industrial growth, jobs, and the importance of developing African resources for African prosperity.”
Ayuk’s book is expected to provide an insider perspective on the reforms, projects, investment decisions and industry stakeholders that have contributed to Angola’s oil-sector turnaround.
The publication also places significant emphasis on local participation, highlighting the growing role of Angolan entrepreneurs, technical professionals and businesses in the petroleum value chain.
For Ayuk, the development of local content should not merely be treated as a regulatory requirement but as a mechanism for building long-term national capacity.
He said Angola had demonstrated that “local content can become a strategic pillar rather than an afterthought.”
The September 2 launch is expected to attract policymakers, regulators, oil and gas executives, investors, technical experts and other stakeholders interested in Angola’s energy transformation.
The event will provide an opportunity to examine Angola’s reform experience and its implications for investment, production, local content and the wider development of Africa’s oil and gas industry.
For Ayuk, the central message of the book is clear: Angola’s experience shows that determined reforms, investment and stronger local participation can restore confidence in an African petroleum market and create a foundation for long-term energy-sector growth.
