Abdul Tejan-Cole
Advocate for Justice, Governance, and Sustainable Development
Abdul Tejan-Cole
Advocate for Justice, Governance, and Sustainable Development
Abdul Tejan-Cole is a distinguished legal practitioner, human rights advocate, and governance expert from Sierra Leone. With a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, and a Master of Laws from University College London, he brings a wealth of expertise in justice, governance, and sustainable development. He holds a postgraduate International Trade Law diploma from the European University Institute.
Mr. Tejan-Cole has served in pivotal roles throughout his career, including as Commissioner of Sierra Leone’s Anti-Corruption Commission and Executive Director of the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA). He has also contributed significantly to transitional justice, serving as trial attorney and appellate counsel at the Special Court for Sierra Leone, where he addressed crimes committed during the civil war.
A dedicated advocate for human rights and the rule of law, Mr. Tejan-Cole’s contributions have been recognized with the Human Rights Watch Award. He is a former Yale World Fellow and has served on the boards of influential organizations, including the Open Society Justice Initiative and Timap for Justice. His commitment to fostering equitable governance and sustainable solutions inspires many across Africa and beyond.
As moderator for the “Renewable Energy in Africa – Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities” session at the SLinT Tech Expo 2025, Mr. Tejan-Cole will bring his deep understanding of governance and development to guide an engaging and impactful discussion on advancing renewable energy solutions for Africa’s future.
Moderator: Renewable Energy in Africa - Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities
Description
This session delves into the evolving landscape of renewable energy in Africa, highlighting the significant trends that are shaping the sector. As Africa strives for sustainable development, renewable energy stands as a critical component in achieving energy security and environmental sustainability. The discussion will cover the technological advancements, policy dynamics, and investment opportunities that are driving the renewable energy boom across the continent.
Objective
Examine Key Trends: Explore current and emerging trends in renewable energy within Africa, such as the rapid growth of solar power installations, the expansion of wind energy projects, and the innovative use of bioenergy resources.
Identify Challenges: Address the barriers to renewable energy adoption, including financial constraints, infrastructural deficits, and regulatory uncertainties that hinder large-scale implementation.
Highlight Opportunities: Outline the opportunities that renewable energy presents for economic diversification, job creation, and energy access, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
Showcase Benefits: Illustrate the environmental and economic benefits of transitioning to renewable energy, such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions, enhanced energy independence, and increased resilience against energy price volatility.
Expected Outcome
Provide participants with insights into how they can engage with and benefit from the renewable energy sector, including guidance on entering the market, influencing policy, and promoting sustainable practices within their communities.