Enabling evidence-based energy system decisions for sustainable development in Africa
Meet the Minds Powering Africa’s Energy Future
Our team brings together some of Africa’s most experienced energy researchers, systems thinkers, and policy advisors.
From all over Africa, we are united by one goal: to put African voices at the center of global energy transition conversations.
Each member of our leadership and members plays a unique role in building bridges between evidence, institutions, and action.
Interim Board
Youba Sokona
Prof. Youba Sokona has over 40 years of expertise in energy, environment, and sustainable development in Africa and has led numerous national and continental initiatives. He served as Vice-Chair of the IPCC’s sixth assessment report and Co-Chair of IPCC Working Group III for the fifth report, contributing since 1990. He received a Nobel Committee certificate in 2007 for his significant work with the IPCC. Prof. Sokona has held leadership roles, including as the inaugural Coordinator of the African Climate Policy Centre, and is affiliated with prestigious academies, including TWAS and the African Academy of Sciences. He is renowned for his technical knowledge and commitment to African-led development.
Gboyega Olurunfemi
Gboyega is a development expert with over 17 years of experience in project management, banking, research, and consulting. He specializes in sustainable policy, climate adaptation, and environmental policy. As Senior Research Associate and Project Lead, he has led high-profile projects on climate change, energy transition, and circular economy. His work has been published globally, and he has implemented projects funded by UN agencies and governments. Gboyega integrates stakeholder engagement and innovative strategies for sustainable development, focusing on climate governance and mitigation.
Yacob Mulugetta
Yacob Mulugetta is a Professor of Energy and Development Policy at University College London, a founding member of the African Climate Policy Centre at UNECA, and part of the Climate Compatible Growth (CCG) programme. He has over 25 years of research, teaching, and advisory experience, specializing in energy infrastructure and its impact on human welfare. Mulugetta has contributed to key IPCC reports, including as Coordinating Lead Author for the Energy Systems chapter of the 5th Assessment Report. His research focuses on energy systems, climate change, and the political economy of low-carbon development. He is also a Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences.
Meron Tesfamichael
Meron Tesfamichael is the Director of WRI Africa's Energy Program, focusing on energy access and clean energy transition. She supports sustainable and reliable energy solutions for underserved communities and helps countries create transition pathways aligned with climate and development goals. Previously, she was a Senior Research Fellow at UCL, researching energy transition in sub-Saharan Africa. Meron has led projects on energy access, governance, and climate-compatible policies. She holds a Ph.D. in politics and advocates for integrated, transdisciplinary approaches to Africa’s energy challenges.
Eileen Lara
Eileen Lara is a skilled electrical engineer and one of Uganda’s few female Certified Energy Auditors. She co-founded the Women in Renewable Energy Association Uganda, which won awards in 2019 and 2020. In her Ph.D. She researches sustainable business model innovations for rural electrification in Sub-Saharan Africa. Her work critically analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of different models, emphasizing sustainability and gender inclusion. Additionally, she assesses how private sector-led initiatives can drive sustainable development in underserved areas.
