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Energy Transitions & Investment in Emerging Markets: Navigating Shifting Undercurrents

Date and Time
Tuesday, April 8, 2025 - 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Location
Duke University, Fuqua School of Business, Kirby Reading Room
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Background: aerial view of a neighborhood. Text: "Energy Transitions & Investment in Emerging Markets: Navigating Shifting Undercurrents. Tuesday, April 8, 12 - 6 p.m. Duke University, Fuqua School of Business, Kirby Reading Room. Duke alumni and students, thought leaders, and practitioners are invited to discuss how impact-driven businesses, private sector capital, and concessional finance can adapt and thrive in the rapidly evolving world of development finance. RSVP: duke.is/apr8eap"
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Agenda
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The landscape of development and development finance is undergoing dramatic shifts, with important ramifications for energy transitions in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Supporting equitable and investable approaches requires strategies and evidence that respond to these shifting dynamics. This event will bring together thought leaders, Duke alumni, students, and practitioners to discuss how impact-driven businesses, private sector capital, and concessional finance can adapt and thrive in this evolving environment.

This gathering will offer attendees the opportunity to engage in rapidly developing sectoral discussions, connect with the James E. Rogers Energy Access Project (EAP) student and alumni community, and contribute to shaping EAP’s strategic direction for the next decade. Additionally, we will take this opportunity to recognize and celebrate M.A. Rogers’ generous gift to EAP, which will enable the program to expand its impact in the coming years.

Goals of the Event

  1. Strengthen the network of Duke alumni, professional partners, and students working on energy transitions in LMICs.
  2. Facilitate meaningful engagement and exchange on leading edge issues that inform research agendas, advance policy work, and equip students with insights into real-world challenges in energy access, development, and investment.
  3. Identify priority sectoral challenges and opportunities that could and/or should shape EAP’s focus over the next five years.

Event partners include the Center for Energy, Development, and the Global Environment (EDGE) at the Fuqua School of Business; Global Energy Access Network (GLEAN); Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability; and Sanford School of Public Policy.

Advance registration is required for this event.  

Another event that may interest you: On April 9, Duke is hosting “From Billions to Trillions: Catalyzing Private Investment in Climate Solutions,” a day-long summit. Registration is now open!

Agenda

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12:00 – 12:15 p.m.

 Check-in & Lunch

  • Networking and food as participants assemble.
12:15 – 12:25 p.m.

Welcome & Context-Setting Over Lunch (Jonathan Phillips and Marc Jeuland)

  • Includes introduction to the afternoon’s discussions, a recap of EAP’s work to date, and framing and overview of the current challenges in energy transitions and investment in LMICs.
12:25 – 1:15 p.m.

Panel 1: "The Elephant in the Room: What the Shift in US Foreign Assistance Means for Low- and Middle-Income Countries… and for People Who Want to Work in This Space."

  • Part 1. What’s happened to the US foreign assistance apparatus, what it means for American soft power, and what comes next?
    • Katie Auth, Policy Director, Energy for Growth Hub
    • Conor Savoy, Non-Resident Fellow, Center for Global Development & Former Team Lead, Foreign Policy Engagement, USAID
    • Matthew Tiedemann, Director, RTI International
  • Part 2. In Conversation: African Self-Sufficiency and Re-imaging Partnership
    • Luol Deng, Former Blue Devil & NBA star, Philanthropist (Duke ’05)
    • Anteneh Addisu, Social Entrepreneur (Duke ’07)
1:15 – 1:35 p.m.

Keynote. "Will We Ever Achieve Universal Energy Access?"

  • Kate Steel: Co-founder and CEO, Nithio
1:35 – 2:15 p.m.

Panel 2: "The Road Ahead for Impact-driven Energy Enterprises"

  • Stacy Swann, Founder, Resilient Earth Capital
  • Sarah Bieber, Director, Climate Strategy, Acumen
  • Harry Masters, Founder and Director, Advancing Green (Duke ’18)
2:15 – 2:35 p.m.Coffee Break
2:35 – 3:15 p.m.

“Through the Eyes of Students: Research & Action on Energy Transitions" 

  • Five lightning talks from Duke students on high-impact research projects 
3:15 – 4:00 p.m.

Panel 3: "Powering Resilience, Growth, and Justice: An Energy Transition Re-frame"

  • Jean Lee, Senior Economist, the Office of the Chief Economist for Africa, World Bank
  • Indraneel Dharwadkar, Program Officer, ClimateWorks (Duke ‘22)
  • Marie McNamara, Manager, RMI's India Program and Carbon-Free Transportation Program (Duke ’21)
4:00 – 4:50 p.m.

Interactive Strategy Session. "Jim Rogers' Cocktail Napkin, 10 Years Later: What’s Next for EAP?" 

  • Dalia Patino-Echeverri, Gendell Family Associate Professor, Duke University
  • Jide Olutoke, Structured Finance, Climate Policy Initiative (Duke ’23)
  • Tanja Vujic, Principal, Novi Strategies 
4:50 – 5:00 p.m.Wrap-up
5:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Reception & Networking

  • Informal networking and continued discussions over drinks

Duke University is committed to creating inclusive and accessible events that encourage persons living with disabilities to fully engage in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact nicholasinstitute@duke.edu or 919-660-1793 in advance of your participation or visit. We will do our best to accommodate any requests.