Energy Transition in Africa & its Climate Dilemma with Dr. Rose Mutiso

Update: 2025-06-13

Description

David & Ed chat with Dr. Rose Mutiso about the tension between energy, climate, and economic development in Africa and the global south.

They touch on many topics to do with sub-Saharan Africa, including energy production & consumption, electricity and power grids, and the vast economic inequity that still exists between the global north & south.

About Our Guest:

Dr. Rose M. Mutiso is a Kenyan scientist, thought leader, and social entrepreneur. She is the Founder & Executive Director of the African Tech Futures Lab (ATFL), a new institute helping decision-makers across the continent navigate emerging science and technology in energy, climate, AI and digital systems—with clarity, agency, and long-term vision. Previously, she was Research Director at the global think tank Energy for Growth Hub. Rose is also the co-founder and former CEO of the Nairobi-based nonprofit Mawazo (“Ideas”) Institute, which supports early-career African women scientists through doctoral research funding and professional development. Prior to this, she served as a Senior Fellow on energy and innovation policy in the U.S. Department of Energy and Senate. She also writes Kibao, a Substack focused on energy, climate, tech, and Africa.

Show Notes:

(00:15 ) Dr. Mutiso, Energy for Growth Hub

(00:15 ) Office of International Climate & Clean Energy - US Department of Energy

(00:15 ) The Mawazo Institute

(02:17 ) High Energy Planet podcast co-hosted by Dr. Mutiso

(02:58 ) Kibao, Substack newsletter by Dr. Mutiso

(09:54 ) The Economist: Nigeria has more people without electricity than any other country

(15:04 ) D. Kammen, UC Berkeley professor, energy expert

(24:51 ) O. Okunbor, former Shell Nigeria country chair

(30:00 ) TED Talk: The energy Africa needs to develop - and fight climate change

(38:56 ) High Energy Planet Ep.31-Katie & Rose on the Future of Foreign Aid

(43:36 )