Launch of Justice in Critical Minerals Governance and Energy Transitions

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This is a hybrid event. Please register for in-person attendance, or join this event online.

This event launches the Justice in Critical Minerals Governance and Energy Transitions project, a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship led by Dr Clement Sefa‑Nyarko. The project examines how justice is understood and experienced in communities affected by the extraction of critical minerals essential for clean energy technologies.

Using an innovative methodology, Hermeneutical Ethnography, it captures community “voices” and “silences” to reveal aspirations, grievances, and lived realities often absent from policy debates. Through case studies in Australia, Chile, and Ghana, the fellowship will develop a bottom‑up framework for assessing justice in mineral governance and energy transitions in collaboration with the Institute of African Studies in the University of Ghana, Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity in the University of Conception, and the Centre for Environmental Governance in the University of Canberra. The project aims to support more equitable decision‑making, reduce conflict, and strengthen community participation in the transition to net zero.

The launch will bring together scholars, policymakers, industry leaders, and activists to discuss the possibilities and scope for meaningfully and innovatively understanding and embedding “justice” in mineral governance and climate transitions across Africa and beyond.

A Keynote address will be delivered by Professor Prof. Kayode Fayemi, a former Minister of Mines and Solid Minerals in the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a former Governor of Ekiti State in Southwest Nigeria, and Visiting Professor at African Leadership Centre. This will be based on the theme of African agency in sustainable minerals governance in the world. The keynote would be followed by discussions on innovative methodologies research.

About the Keynote address: "Critical Minerals, Energy Transitions and the Future of Resource Governance in Africa"

A Keynote address will be delivered by Professor Prof. Kayode Fayemi, a former Minister of Mines and Solid Minerals in the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a former Governor of Ekiti State in Southwest Nigeria, and Visiting Professor at African Leadership Centre. This will be based on the theme of African agency in sustainable minerals governance in the world. The keynote would be followed by discussions on innovative methodologies research.

Agenda and speakers

A. OPENING REMARKS:

• Prof. Eka Ikpe, Director of ALC and Professor of Development Economics in Africa.
• Prof. Cathy Mcllwaine, Vice Dean (Research) SSPP, Professor of Geography.
• Dr Clement Sefa-Nyarko, PI for the FLF and Lecturer in Security, Development and Leadership in Africa.

B. KEYNOTE AND RESPONSES:

• Prof. Funmi Olonisakin (Facilitator/ chair), Vice President (International, Engagement and Service); Professor of Security, Leadership and Development)
• Prof. Kayode Fayemi (Keynote Speaker), Former Minister of Solid Minerals, Nigeria; Former Governor of Ekiti State; Visiting Professor at ALC.
• Prof. Akosua Adomako (Response to Keynote), Professor of African Studies, Former Director of Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana, Advisor on FLF Project.
• Prof. Darren Sinclair (Response to keynote), Professor of Environmental Regulation and Governance, University of Canberra, Australia; Advisor on FLF Project.

C PANEL ON METHODOLOGY:

• Dr Ifesinachi Okafor-Yarwood (Facilitator/ chair), Lecturer in Sustainable Development, University of St Andrews.
• Dr Mshai Mwangola, International Expert on Orature Methodology; Advisor on FLF Project.
• Dr Andrea Monica D. Ortiz, Environmental Scientist, University of Conception, Chile; Advisor on FLF Project.
• Dr Aiko Ikemura Amaral, Lecturer in International Development, King’s College London.
• Dr Godwin Murunga, Executive Secretary, CODESRIA

D. FINAL REMARKS:

• Prof. Frans Berkhout, Assistant Principal, King’s Climate and Sustainability.
• Shuvai Nyoni Busuman, Executive Director, African Leadership Centre.
• General MC for the day: Cheriesse Bema Kwakye, Researcher on Climate and Energy Transition.

About King's Africa Week

Hosted by the African Leadership Centre and Africa research group, Africa Week is an annual celebration of research, education and outreach activities on Africa.

King's Africa Week brings together academics, researchers and students from across King's – and offers the opportunity to hear from African scholars, leaders and thinkers. It also showcases King's collaboration with African universities and partners.

Find out more about Africa Week