‘Africa’s energy future should be based on equity, not foreign imitation’

An Emeritus Professor of Petroleum Economics, Prof. Omowumi Iledare has stated that Africa’s energy future must be defined by pragmatism, equity, and prosperity, not by imitation. Delivering remarks at the 2025 Annual International Conference of the Nigerian Association for Energy Economics (NAEE) in Abuja, Prof. Iledare warned that Africa’s energy future is not a copy […]

An Emeritus Professor of Petroleum Economics, Prof. Omowumi Iledare has stated that Africa’s energy future must be defined by pragmatism, equity, and prosperity, not by imitation.

Delivering remarks at the 2025 Annual International Conference of the Nigerian Association for Energy Economics (NAEE) in Abuja, Prof. Iledare warned that Africa’s energy future is not a copy of Europe’s past but must become a model of pragmatic prosperity and one that prioritizes affordable access, industrial competitiveness, and intergenerational equity.

 Speaking under the conference theme, “Emerging Geopolitics of the Energy Landscape — Navigating Global Shifts and Their Impacts on Developing Economies,” Professor Iledare described International Association of Energy Economics (IAEE) as “the world’s most vibrant and intellectually respected community bridging the energy-economy-environment nexus.”

He emphasized that the Association’s purpose remains to advance understanding of energy economics through rigorous analysis, constructive dialogue, and professional collaboration.

He stated that IAEE exists to analyze change through evidence, not emotion; through policy dialogue, not political posturing.

 

 

 

“We must understand how global transformations intersect with regional priorities — especially for developing economies balancing energy access, climate responsibility, and growth,” he said.

 

 

 

Founded in 1977, IAEE has grown into a global network with over 100 national affiliates and thousands of members in more than 100 countries.

 

 

 

Professor Iledare highlighted that through this network, the Association continues to foster dialogue among academics, industry experts, regulators, and policymakers committed to shaping sustainable energy futures.

 

 

 

He singled out the Nigerian Association for Energy Economics (NAEE) as one of IAEE’s most active and visible affiliates worldwide, commending it for giving “voice and visibility to Africa’s developmental realities in global energy discourse.”

 

 

 

“NAEE’s consistent leadership has proven that intellectual excellence and policy relevance can coexist,” Iledare observed.

 

 

 

“The Association has built bridges among academia, industry, and government — a true Triple-Helix-Plus collaboration model that reflects the spirit of IAEE globally,” he added.

 

 

 

He advocated deeper cooperation between African and global energy economists, encouraging more participation of young scholars in IAEE’s international programs, conferences, and publications.

 

 

 

The IAEE President, he added, remains committed to enhancing African representation within IAEE’s leadership and advancing continental research and policy engagement.