Dr. Agelebe is joining the Open African Innovation Research Network (Open AIR) team at the University of Ottawa’s Centre for Law, Technology, and Society (CLTS), supported by the Canadian Queen Elizabeth Scholars Advanced Scholars West Africa (QES-AS-WA) program. This program provides vital funding to doctoral researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and early career scholars from eligible West African nations and Canada, contributing to the advancement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Under the supervision of Professors Chidi Oguamanam and Jeremy de Beer, Dr. Agelebe will explore the complex legal and regulatory frameworks that govern the green energy transition and digital innovation within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). His study, titled “Digitalizing Energy Transition: Balancing Exclusivity with Inclusivity for Sustainability,” will analyze the adoption of green energy practices, the restructuring of energy markets, and the integration of digital technologies. Dr. Agelebe’s research will highlight how these regulatory developments can either support or hinder progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study will investigate the regulatory strategy implemented at the national level and the correlation between regional policies and legislative frameworks for technological startups. His work will propose governance frameworks that balance data exchange with intellectual property protection, ensuring that green and digital energy systems contribute effectively to sustainable development in the region.
We look forward to the impactful contributions Dr. Agelebe will make to our academic community and beyond. In addition to the generous support of the QES-AS-WA program, his appointment is made possible through funding from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), and the New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF).