From evidence to action: Accelerating energy access and just transitions in Africa
Progress on SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy – depends not only on what we know, but on whether that knowledge reaches the right people in time to shape decisions. This panel brings together practitioners and policymakers from the evaluation and energy communities to examine how evidence can more effectively inform policy and accelerate progress on energy access and just transitions in Africa.
The Permanent Representation of Nigeria to the United Nations – in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme Independent Evaluation Office (UNDP IEO) and the German Institute for Development Evaluation (DEval) – is pleased to invite you to a panel discussion during the 2026 UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.
The discussion will be guided by three core questions:
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What do we know about what works, and where do evidence gaps remain?
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What prevents evidence from shaping policy and investment decisions?
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How can the international evidence community better support countries in translating knowledge into action?
The discussion will address:
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Persistent barriers to scaling clean, off-grid energy solutions in hard-to-reach contexts;
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The role of technology and Artificial Intelligence in synthesizing the growing body of evaluation and research on energy;
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The challenge of ensuring that timely, relevant evidence reaches decision-makers in accessible and actionable forms;
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Affordability challenges and investor perspectives, highlighting the importance of integrated approaches that link energy access with infrastructure development, industrial decarbonization, and green jobs.
Agenda*
9:00–9:20 Opening remarks
H.E. Dr. Ibrahim F. Jimoh, Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations
H.E. Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Federal Republic of Nigeria
Dr. Bärbel Kofler, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development
Ms. Ahunna Eziankowa, Special Advisor of the Secretary-General on Africa
9:20–10:10 Panel discussion
Ms. Isabelle Mercier, Director, UNDP IEO (Chair)
Mr. Shiv Bakrania, Senior Synthesis Specialist, UNDP IEO and Global SDG Synthesis Coalition
Mr. Sven Harten, Deputy Director, DEval
Ms. Christel Jacob, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Manager, Just Energy Transition, Presidency of the Republic of South Africa
Ms. Andile Madonsela, Director Innovation and Equity, Pan-African Collective for Evidence
Mr. Riad Meddeb, Director Sustainable Energy Hub, UNDP
Mr. Ben Murphy, Evaluation Specialist, UNDP IEO
Dr. Bala Yusuf Yunusa, Senior Technical Advisor, Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Federal Republic of Nigeria
10:10–10:25 Questions and answers
10:25–10:30 Closing remarks
This event will be held primarily in person. Remote participation will also be available via Zoom.
Venue: Permanent Representation of Nigeria to the United Nations, 828 Second Avenue, 21st floor, New York.
To attend in person: RSVP to SDG7-HLPF[at]deval.org
*Speakers to be confirmed
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