Digital and Energy Regulatory Directives in Advancing Energy Transition in Africa: Exploring Approaches for Achieving Inclusive and Sustainable Development in the AU Vision 2063
Cologne International Forum Innovative Tandem Collaboration: 1 January 2025 - 31 December 2025
Dr. Dennis Agelebe (Sonipat, India)
Partner at the University of Cologne: Prof. Dr. Kirk W. Junker (Faculty of Law, US-American Law / Environmental Law)
Abstract
The African Union’s Vision 2063 envisions a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable future for the continent, with energy transition playing a pivotal role in achieving this agenda.
This project examines the intersection of digital and energy regulatory frameworks in advancing Africa’s energy transition. It explores how harmonised directives can accelerate the deployment of clean energy technologies, foster regional integration, and ensure equitable access to clean energy resources.
The research highlights best practices, identifies regulatory gaps, and proposes actionable strategies to align digital innovation with energy policies by analysing case studies across the continent. It underscores the importance of multilateral collaboration, capacity building, and investment in digital infrastructure as enablers for sustainable development.
The findings aim to provide recommendations to public servants and investors, aligning energy transition efforts with the African Union’s aspirations for a green and inclusive future.
Dr. Dennis Agelebe
Dr. Dennis Agelebe is an Associate Professor of Law at Jindal Global University in India and an Adjunct Associate Professor of Law at Adeleke University in Nigeria. He was recently awarded the Queen Elizabeth Scholars Advanced Scholars Fellowship at the Open African Innovation Research (Open AIR) at the University of Ottawa’s Centre for Law, Technology.
Dr. Agelebe’s research is shaped by extensive scholarly work experience across Africa, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and North America. His current research focuses on the interaction between regional governance in Africa and national climate change commitments to achieve energy transition for sustainable development.
His research interests include sustainable development, renewable energy investment, technology, environmentally friendly trade practices, and foreign direct investment, focusing on environmental ethics in developing countries.
International Roundtable - "AI in Africa's Higher Education"
On June 1st 2026, our Cologne International Forum Fellow Dr. Dennis Agelebe organized and hosted an International Roundtable in collaboration with the University of Calabar (Nigeria) and the University of Limpopo (South Africa). The workshop was held at the Environmental Law Center of the University of Cologne.
Over 109 participants were present in person at the Senate Building of the University of Calabar in Nigeria, while 45 attendees joined online from the Universities of Limpopo, South Africa and Greater Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe.
Key speakers included Prof. Dr. Kirk Junker, Prof. O.S. Sibanda, Prof. Michael Ibanga, Dr. Anne Agi and Mr. Suprise Ngwane.