Gazprom Neft Executive Joins African Energy Chamber Board

JOHANNESBURG – The African Energy Chamber (AEC) has appointed Stepan Khromov, Head of Projects (Africa) at Russia’s Gazprom Neft, to its board, a move that underscores a renewed push to strengthen Russia–Africa cooperation at a time when the continent is seeking investment, technology and partners to expand its energy capacity.

Khromov’s appointment, announced in Cape Town this week, comes as African governments accelerate oil and gas development to meet rising domestic demand, reduce energy poverty and stabilise fragile power systems.

It also reflects the AEC’s growing emphasis on diversifying global partnerships as Africa navigates an increasingly complex geopolitical and investment environment.

Khromov is no stranger to the Chamber. Since joining the AEC in 2023 as an International Energy Fellow, he has been closely involved in initiatives aimed at linking African energy priorities with international capital, technical expertise and policy dialogue.

Stepan Khromov, Head of Projects (Africa) at Russia’s Gazprom Neft

His elevation to the board formalises a role he has already been playing behind the scenes: bridging African energy ambitions with Russian industry players.

“Stepan Khromov’s energy sector insights, global network and proven leadership in fostering cross-border partnerships will be invaluable as we continue to expand Africa’s role in the global energy landscape,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. “His appointment underscores our commitment to strengthening ties between Africa and key international partners as we accelerate investment in oil and gas infrastructure that can deliver reliable energy to African markets.”

A strategic moment for Africa’s energy agenda

Khromov’s appointment comes at a critical juncture for Africa. Despite holding some of the world’s largest untapped oil and gas reserves, the continent remains home to more than 600 million people without access to electricity.

Energy investment has struggled to keep pace with demand, while global financing for hydrocarbons has tightened amid the energy transition.

In this context, international partnerships remain central to Africa’s development plans, particularly in upstream exploration, midstream infrastructure and gas-to-power projects that many governments view as essential transition fuels.

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Russian energy firms have steadily expanded their footprint across Africa in recent years. Lukoil has deepened its engagement in exploration and production, including signing a memorandum of understanding with the Republic of Congo in 2024.

Gazprom has also signalled its intent to grow its African portfolio, notably through agreements with Tanzania to explore and develop natural gas resources.

Beyond oil and gas, Russia’s state-owned nuclear company Rosatom has been engaging several African countries, including Rwanda, Guinea-Conakry, Mali and the Republic of Congo, as they explore nuclear energy as part of long-term power strategies.

Against this backdrop, Khromov’s presence on the AEC board signals an effort to bring these strands of engagement into a more structured, multilateral framework.

From dialogue to deal-making

According to the AEC, Khromov has played a key role in expanding the Chamber’s international network, particularly with Russian public and private sector stakeholders. He has participated in high-level forums, supported policy discussions and helped convene platforms where African governments and international investors can explore commercially viable projects.

His approach, the Chamber says, is grounded in partnership rather than patronage. “Khromov’s advocacy reflects a philosophy that robust energy sector development must be grounded in partnerships that deliver concrete economic outcomes for all parties,” Ayuk said. “His contributions have consistently emphasised mutual benefit and sustainable growth.”

For the AEC, which positions itself as a voice for Africa’s energy producers and investors, the appointment reinforces its strategy of engaging a wide range of global partners while keeping African priorities at the centre of negotiations.

Energy, geopolitics and Africa’s choices

Khromov’s appointment will inevitably be read within a broader geopolitical context, as African countries seek to balance relationships with Western, Eastern and Global South partners. The Chamber has repeatedly argued that Africa’s energy needs should not be constrained by external political pressures, particularly when access to affordable and reliable energy remains a development imperative.

By bringing Khromov onto its board, the AEC appears to be signalling that Africa’s energy future will be shaped by pragmatic cooperation, focused on infrastructure, skills transfer and long-term economic value, rather than ideology.