Energy Transitions & Investment in Emerging Markets: Navigating Shifting Undercurrents

The landscape of 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.

Hosted by the James E. Rogers Energy Access Project (EAP), this event will bring together thought leaders, practitioners, Duke alumni, and students to explore how impact-driven businesses, private sector capital, and concessional finance can adapt and thrive in this evolving environment.

The discussions about this rapidly developing sector will help attendees refine research agendas, advance policy work, and gain insights into challenges in energy access, development, and investment. The conversations will contribute to shaping EAP’s strategic direction for the next decade.

The event will include opportunities to network with development and finance professionals (including Duke alumni) as well as students working on energy transitions in LMICs. A post-event reception will recognize and celebrate M.A. Rogers for her recent generous gift to EAP to enable the program to expand its impact in the coming 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.

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 

12:25-1:15 p.m. | “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.”

Moderated by Jonathan Phillips, Director of the James E. Rogers Energy Access Project at Duke.

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”

Moderated by Jackson Ewing, Director of Energy and Climate Policy at the Nicholas Institute of Energy, Environment & Sustainability, Duke University.

• Sarah Bieber, Director, Climate Strategy, Acumen
• Stacy Swann, Founder, Resilient Earth Capital
• Harry Masters, Founder and Director, Advancing Green (Duke ’18)

2:15 – 2:35 p.m. | Coffee Break

2:35 – 3:15 p.m. | Duke Students & Scholars in Action for Energy Transitions

5 lightning talks from Duke students & scholars on high-impact research projects

3:15 – 4:00 p.m. | Panel 3: “Powering Resilience, Growth, and Justice: An Energy Transition Re-frame”

Moderated by Liilnna Teji, Senior Policy Associate, at James E. Rogers Energy Access Project

• Indraneel Dharwadkar, Program Officer, ClimateWorks (Duke ‘22)
• Jean Lee, Senior Economist, the Office of the Chief Economist for Africa, World Bank
• Marie McNamara, Manager, RMI’s India Program and Carbon-Free Transportation Program (Duke ’21)
• Graham Watkins, Chief of the Climate Change Division, the Inter-American Development Bank

4:00 – 4:50 p.m. | Interactive Strategy Session. “Jim Rogers’ Cocktail Napkin, 10 Years Later: What’s Next for EAP?”

Moderated by Alix Zwane, Director of Research and Engagement Strategy, Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability, Duke University

• 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. | Closing Remarks by Marc Jeuland, Faculty Director of the James E. Rogers Energy Access Project at Duke and Associate Professor at the Sanford School of Public Policy.

5:00 – 6:00 p.m. | Reception & Networking

• Brian Murray, Director, Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability

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!