AUST Hosts Africa Energy and Climate Change Conference: Champions Data-Driven and Inclusive Climate Action

The African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja, in collaboration with partners and industry stakeholders, hosted the Africa Energy and Climate Change Conference (AFRECCC 2025), a two-day event that brought together leading policymakers, researchers, and climate advocates to chart a sustainable energy future for Africa.

Held from October 23 to 24, 2025, under the theme “Powering the Future: Renewable Energy Mix and Climate Action for a Sustainable Africa,” the conference focused on advancing data-driven policymaking, inclusive climate governance, and sustainable financing as key tools for the continent’s green transition.

Speaking at the opening day held at the United Nations House, Abuja, Prof. Azikiwe Peter Onwualu, FAS, President of AUST, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to research-led innovation through initiatives such as the AUSTInspire Innovation Hub, calling for deeper collaboration among academia, government, and industry.

Engr. Michael Mozie, Conference Chair, emphasized the importance of credible data in driving effective climate action.

Goodwill messages from Mr. Bonaventure Mbida-Esama of the Nelson Mandela Institution and Mr. Bonaventure Okhaimo, CEO of the National Credit Guarantee Company Ltd., underscored the need for accessible climate financing and inclusive participation of rural communities.

Keynote speaker Dr. Chidiebere Uzoagba, Group Sustainability Lead at Pana Holdings, described AFRECCC 2025 as a “precursor to critical dialogues ahead of COP30,” urging stronger institutional collaboration and accountability in Africa’s climate strategies.

The second day of the conference, which was held at the AUST campus, spotlighted emerging technologies, financing mechanisms, and data-driven policymaking.

Dr. Abdulhakeem Bello, AUST'S Director, Academic Program (DAP), explored advances in energy storage systems, while Dr. Vitalis Chioh Anye, Dean School of Engineering outlined Africa’s renewable energy opportunities across solar, wind, hydro, and bio-energy.

Panels moderated by Ms. Rifkatu Joseph examined financing the green transition, carbon markets, and the role of evidence-based policies in shaping national climate responses. Other presentations, including Dr. Bosco Okolo-Obi’s discussion on language and climate communication, highlighted the need for inclusive awareness strategies at the grassroots.

In his closing remarks, the AUST President, Prof. Onwualu, thanked participants and commended Mr. E.E. Okpa, CEO of The Okpa Company, for announcing a scholarship award to AUST in support of research in climate education.

Participants reaffirmed commitments to advancing data integrity, sustainable financing, gender inclusion, and research-driven innovation, positioning AUST as a leading hub for climate research and policy dialogue in Africa’s quest for a resilient and sustainable future.