Ghana's Ing Ohene-Akoto ranks among world's top 10 energy thought leaders

Ing. Justice Ohene-Akoto, Executive Director of the Africa Sustainable Energy Centre (ASEC), has been named among the world’s top 10 most-read energy thought leaders in the 2025 illuminem Energy Thought Leaders Ranking.

The ranking, compiled by illuminem, a global sustainability and energy platform with more than 700,000 professionals in its readership, recognises individuals whose research, insights, and leadership have shaped global conversations on energy security, climate action, sustainability, and the energy transition.

Ohene-Akoto was listed alongside prominent global energy experts, including Frank Wouters, Chairman of the MENA Hydrogen Alliance and former Deputy Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA); Jeremy Bentham, Co-Chair of the World Energy Council; Angela Wilkinson, Secretary General and CEO of the World Energy Council; and Nicola de Blasio of Harvard University’s Belfer Center.

The recognition places him among a select group of thought leaders whose work continues to influence policy debates and industry discussions at a time when the world is grappling with rising energy demand, climate change concerns, and the push toward decarbonisation.

Reacting to the recognition, Ing. Ohene-Akoto expressed appreciation to the global energy community and emphasised the importance of elevating African perspectives in international energy discourse.

“I am deeply honoured by this recognition. It reflects not only my work but the collective efforts of the Africa Sustainable Energy Centre and our partners across the continent who are committed to advancing sustainable, affordable, reliable, and inclusive energy solutions for Africa,” he said.

He added that Africa’s energy transition must be shaped by local realities.

“Africa’s energy transition must be driven by African realities and African solutions. We have a unique opportunity to simultaneously expand energy access, drive industrialisation, and achieve sustainable development while contributing meaningfully to global climate goals.”

Under his leadership, ASEC has developed into one of Africa’s leading independent energy think tanks, focusing on research, policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and thought leadership on energy and climate issues across the continent.

The centre has also led initiatives such as the Africa Sustainable Energy Dialogue, the Africa Energy Outlook, clean cooking solutions, energy sector reforms, artificial intelligence applications in energy systems, and strategies aimed at improving energy access and reliability.

Industry observers say the recognition reflects the growing influence of African voices in global energy conversations. They note that Africa’s energy future remains central to global development and climate goals, especially as more than 600 million people across the continent still lack access to electricity.

The 2025 ranking comes at a time of rapidly increasing global energy demand, driven by industrial expansion, digitalisation, artificial intelligence, and growing data centre infrastructure.

Experts say these pressures are reshaping global energy systems and increasing the need for diverse perspectives from both developed and emerging economies.

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