On Monday, 9th September, 2024, ACEP proudly welcomed the 7th cohort of the Next Generation Resource Governance Leaders Program, an initiative to nurture innovative young professionals eager to transform Africa’s energy and extractive sectors. This diverse cohort brings much academic knowledge, professional experience, and fresh perspectives to tackle Africa’s pressing governance challenges.
Anna Grace Mkucha (Tanzania)
With a Master of Laws specializing in Mineral and Petroleum Extraction from the University of Cape Town, Anna’s academic focus aligns closely with Africa’s need for sustainable and equitable management of its natural resources. As a NextGen Leader, she is committed to enhancing her knowledge and developing the necessary skill set to become a well-rounded energy and extractive professional. Anna hopes to make impactful contributions to transforming the extractives sector for sustainable, inclusive development in Africa.
Elfreda Agyemang-Duah (Ghana)
Elfreda brings her passion for resource governance and gender inclusion in the extractive industries to the NextGen program. Having worked closely with young people in academia, she has developed a keen interest in how resource governance can create opportunities for marginalized groups, particularly women. Through the program, she aims to deepen her understanding of governance frameworks that promote inclusivity and contribute to building a more diverse and equitable industry.
Patience Ohegwu Ogbode (Nigeria)
Patience, a gender and social inclusion advocate, has spent her career promoting women’s rights and advancing policies for marginalized groups. Through her previous work in civil society, Patience has seen firsthand how gender inequality impacts resource management and is committed to shifting the narrative toward more equitable practices. Her drive to see women and other underrepresented groups benefit from Africa’s natural resources will be a core part of her journey during the program.
Mohsin Maltiti Mohammed (Ghana)
Maltiti is an innovator and researcher interested in climate change solutions and waste management. His work on plastic pollution earned him first place at the 2023 Falling Walls Lab Ghana pitch competition, and he was recognized as one of the top 100 global emerging talents by the Falling Walls Foundation. Driven by the need for sustainable approaches to pollution and energy efficiency, Maltiti is eager to deepen his expertise in resource governance through the NextGen program, applying innovative solutions to tackle Africa’s environmental challenges and achieving energy efficiency.
Maud Gracious Fuko (Zimbabwe)
As a Chemical and Process Systems Engineer, Maud has gained extensive experience as a climate advocate and negotiator, representing least-developed countries in global forums. She has actively participated in the COP 27 and COP 28 simulation models by the United Nations Development Program in Egypt and The British University in Egypt as a chief negotiator for least-developed countries and advocated for loss and damage at the UNFCCC Sharm El Sheikh COP 27. In 2019, she won the Gi-Hub Green Innovations competitions funded by Sweden and the Netherlands in Zimbabwe and UNICEF for her biodiesel production startup to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fuel shortage in Zimbabwe. Her passion for climate change mitigation and her technical background make her a powerful voice in pushing Africa’s resource sectors to align with sustainable practices.
Joy Cheruto Ondego (Kenya)
Joy’s legal expertise spans tax law, energy law, and corporate governance, areas crucial to navigating the complexities of Africa’s energy and extractive industries. Her interest in using legal frameworks to promote sustainability and accountability in resource management aligns with the goals of the program. During her time at ACEP, Joy will focus on deepening her understanding of how legal tools can drive responsible governance of Africa’s energy and mineral resources.
Cynthia Nwaelu Onyinyechi (Nigeria)
Cynthia brings a background in marketing and administration, paired with a deep passion for creating social impact through sustainable development. Her interest in how good governance can uplift African communities and improve resource management drives her ambition in the program. She is particularly eager to apply her knowledge of administrative frameworks to enhance the equitable management of Africa’s vast natural resources, ensuring that they are used to benefit the people.
Alhassan Gomdah Abukari (Ghana)
With a background in Materials Engineering and experience in project management, Alhassan is passionate about contributing to the future of Ghana’s energy sector. His technical expertise and desire to explore sustainable engineering solutions make him a valuable addition to this NextGen cohort. Alhassan aims to enhance his understanding of energy resource governance and contribute meaningfully to the sector’s growth, especially in the areas of renewable energy and sustainable development.
The NextGen Program blends theory with hands-on experience, equipping participants with the knowledge, practical skills, and innovative thinking necessary to address complex governance challenges. Over the next three months, these emerging leaders will dive deep into Africa’s energy and extractive sectors, gaining not only technical knowledge but also training in leadership and professional development.
Through this journey, they will be guided in setting and achieving personal and professional goals, with a strong focus on ethical leadership. We are excited to see how their passion and commitment will shape the future of sustainable governance across the continent.
