AEMI is excited to announce the winners of our first Mentorship Research Competition 2024!

Hannah Talinda Kasule is a Completions Engineer on the Tilenga project, holds a BSc. in Chemical Engineering. She oversees downhole equipment installation to enhance oil recovery and reduce environmental risk. She also volunteers for the Net Zero Tracker, where she analyzes net zero commitments made by nations, cities, and corporations. Her technical experience in manufacturing and oil and gas – industries that significantly contribute to global carbon emissions – has fueled her research interest in understanding the broader economic and social challenges these sectors face in adopting low carbon and renewable technologies, and how government decisions can encourage or impede this transition. Her article titled ‘Balancing Economic Growth, Decarbonization, and a Just Transition: Policy Approaches in African Oil Exporting Countries’ which observes that tailored policy frameworks, effective governance, adaptive policymaking, and robust international partnerships are important for African countries to effectively navigate the complex trilemma of economic growth, decarbonization, and a just transition.

Nurudeen Mohammed Aliu is a young Lawyer, and an international development practitioner. He has contributed to the design and implementation of projects and programs geared towards strengthening the Rule of Law and promoting development. Nurudeen is a Member of the Ghana Bar Association, an Associate Member of the Institute of Chartered Arbitrators UK and a Member of the Africa Evaluators Associations. He holds an MSc in Strategic Planning and Management, and BA honour in Integrated Community Development both from the University for Development Studies in Ghana, a Bachelor of Law (LLB) from the University of Professional Studies Accra Ghana, and a Master of Law (LLM) in Natural Resources Law from the University of Ghana, Legon. His study on ‘Assessing the Role of Legal and Regulatory Framework on Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. A study of Ghana’s Water Resources Legal Framework’ presents a detailed analysis of the institutional, legal and regulatory framework of water resources in Ghana.

Prisca Nabachwa is a zealous Energy Economist and Climate Change practitioner specializing in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) and project management within development initiatives. Prisca Holds a Master’s degree in Energy Economics and Governance from Makerere university, a Post Graduate Diploma in Monitoring and Evaluation and a Bachelor’s degree Arts in Economics. Her work is underpinned by a commitment to promoting gender inclusion, sustainable energy practices, and climate change adaptation and energy transition. Prisca has also worked with last-mile communities in the refugee settlement camps of Bidi-bidi, Rhino Camp, and Imvepi in Uganda in climate change mitigation, adoption, peace and conflict resolution interventions, and green skilling for youth. Her research on ‘Addressing energy poverty through energy investments’ explores how investments in renewable energy, specifically solar power, can address Uganda’s energy deficit while promoting economic development and environmental sustainability.

Congratulations to all of the winners, and thanks to everyone who submitted an entry or spread the word about the competition.

About the AEMI Mentorship Research Competition

The competition will take place within each mentorship cycle. It is open to non-mentees and mentees can seek the guidance of their mentors, but mentors must not be involved in writing. 3 transparent reviewing judges will be identified to grade and choose the winner(s).  The winning articles will be published on AEMI website and acknowledged at our future mentorship conferences (where possible).

1st Edition: As part of our mentorship program, the African Energy and Mineral Mining Initiative (AEMI) is pleased to introduce the first edition of her research competition for young researchers. We recognize that majority of the young people lack the opportunity to share their knowledge and work on the extractive industries. Therefore, provides an avenue for knowledge stimulation, cooperation, and sharing in the extractive industries. This competition is intended to showcase the research dexterity and ability of young researchers across the globe.

Topics

1. How does the exploitation of critical minerals in Africa impact local communities?
2. Are African energy policies well suited to meet the continent’s growing energy needs and economy?
3. What are the best strategies and technologies for the attainment of just transition and de-carbonization in Africa?
4. How can Artificial Intelligence enhance the efficiency and sustainability of the African energy sector and what policy changes are needed to facilitate its integration?
5. How can energy investments contribute to addressing the challenge of energy poverty in Africa?”

Competition rules

Based on the five stranded research topics above, all interested applicants are expected to write and submit an abstract of a maximum of 350 words summarizing the objectives of the study, and the key points of the research. 

The successful abstract will be developed into a 3000-words (including footnotes) analytical and well-written research article.