Dr. Osabohien, CEO/Director of REO, delivered a thought-provoking presentation at the Centre for Economic Policy and Development Research (CEPDeR) Seminar held at Covenant University on February 3, 2026.
The seminar presentation, titled “AI and Energy Supply Chain in Africa: Balancing Economic Efficiency with Social Equity,” explored the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in transforming Africa’s energy systems and supply chain networks while highlighting the urgent need to ensure that technological advancement does not deepen social inequality.
The presentation examined how AI-driven innovations are reshaping energy distribution, logistics optimisation, predictive maintenance, smart grids, and renewable energy management across African economies. It further discussed how emerging technologies can improve operational efficiency, reduce waste, strengthen energy access, and enhance sustainability within the continent’s energy supply chain ecosystem.
A major focus of the seminar was the challenge of balancing economic efficiency with social equity. Dr. Osabohien emphasised that while AI presents enormous opportunities for improving productivity and accelerating energy transition, policymakers and stakeholders must also address issues relating to employment displacement, digital inequality, energy accessibility, institutional readiness, and inclusive development.
The presentation generated engaging discussions among scholars, researchers, and policy participants, particularly around the implications of AI adoption for sustainable development, energy justice, climate resilience, and Africa’s long-term economic transformation.
The seminar once again reflected the important role of Centre for Economic Policy and Development Research (CEPDeR) in fostering impactful academic dialogue and policy-relevant research capable of addressing contemporary development challenges facing Africa.
