Launch of Justice in Critical Minerals Governance and Energy Transitions

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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.

• Dr Clement Sefa-Nyarko (FLF PI and Lecturer in Security, Development and Leadership in Africa)
• Prof. Funmi Olonisakin (Vice President (International, Engagement and Service); Professor of Security, Leadership and Development)
• Prof. Kayode Fayemi (Former Minister of Solid Minerals, Nigeria; Former Governor of Ekiti State; Visiting Professor at African Leadership Centre)
• Prof. Eka Ikpe (Director of African Leadership Centre and Professor of Development Economics in Africa)
• Dr Godwin Murunga (Executive Secretary, CODESRIA)

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.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Bush House, 8th Floor North, 30 Aldwych, London, United Kingdom

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