OCAF 2135 - Energy in Africa. Geopolitics, Governance and Development

Despite its relatively limited oil and gas reserves, Africa is a key region for the energy supply of great powers and a major field for competition between international energy companies. However, Africa suffers dramatically from the effects of poor oil rent management, which has led to the political and economic downfall of many energy producing countries. The lack of access to energy for the vast majority of the population has also contributed to political instability which in turn hinders their economic and social development. As a response new initiatives have been put in place to boost the access to energy for the population. For the actors of the global energy markets, Africa is both a land of high risks and great opportunities.

This course aims is to explain how Africa is inserted into the global energy markets (as producers / exporters, but also as consumers) and to analyse the impact of this integration on local political and economic systems. Through a series of case studies encompassing the most significant energy-producing countries, the course will provide a comprehensive overview of the African energy landscape. It will address key issues from both an international perspective and an African standpoint.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, the students will be able to:

• discuss the situation of all the major energy producers in Africa
• understand the specificities of the insertion of Africa into the global energy markets
• explain the economic and political effects of the exploitation of energy resources on the African political and economic structures
• analyse from a critical perspective, the implications of the involvement of international actors (great powers (esp. United States, China, France, etc.), private companies, etc.) on the continent
• discuss the significance of the development of access to energy for the African population.

Professional Skills

• Research and analysis
• Critical thinking
• Oral and written communication

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Feedback will be provided through specific individual meetings with the teacher

Each student is required to prepare a factsheet on a country and deliver an oral presentation based on a written paper on a case study.

• The factsheet (2 pages) will present a summary of the energy scene of a country and its recent evolution, as well as a brief presentation of the main issues and stakes.
• The paper (6 pages + annexes) is to be shared and presented to the class (duration: max. 10 to 15 min) with a complete Powerpoint presentation (including maps, charts, diagrams, pictures, videos, etc.) that will focus on the main findings and lessons learned.
• Final Exam: Essay summarising all the lessons learned

The evaluation will be based on the paper (20%), the presentation (25%), the factsheet (25%), the final exam (20%), and the participation (10%).

• Attendance: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester
• Online learning activities: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester
• Reading and Preparation for Class: 3 hours a week / 36 hours a semester
• Research and Preparation for Group Work: 3 hours a week / 36 hours a semester
• Research and Writing for Individual Assessments: 2&1/2 hours a week / 30 hours a semester