Aina Kauluma is an energy and sustainability professional dedicated to advancing Africa’s renewable energy transition through evidence-based research, policy analysis, and stakeholder engagement. She holds an MSc in Renewable Energy and a BSc. Her interdisciplinary expertise spans clean energy systems, climate policy, critical minerals governance, and just transition frameworks.
Currently, Aina serves as an Energy Transitions Research Fellow at the Africa Institute of Environmental Law, where she leads research on the risks associated with oil and gas development and explores sustainable economic alternatives for African countries. She produces policy briefs, technical analyses, and co-authored publications that contribute to regional discourse on energy transition, environmental governance, and sustainable development. Her work bridges the gap between research and actionable policy, helping strengthen local capacity while elevating Global South perspectives in international climate and energy debates.
Previously, Aina worked as a Renewable Energy & Hydrogen Analyst at Daures Green Hydrogen Village, where she supported the development of renewable energy and green hydrogen initiatives through market assessments, strategic partnership development, and business planning. Her responsibilities included system design and analyses, risk assessment, research, and ensuring compliance with national regulatory and technical standards.
A passionate advocate for inclusive and equitable climate action, Aina is committed to promoting African-led solutions to the climate and energy challenges of the 21st century. She is an active member of the World Energy Council’s Future Energy Leaders Programme, the Africa-Europe Youth Collaboration Programme, and the Global Shapers Windhoek Hub. She also previously served on the EU-Namibia Youth Sounding Board on Inclusive Green Growth, contributing youth perspectives to policy discussions on sustainable development and green economic transformation.
Aina’s research interests include critical minerals governance, renewable energy policy, and regulation in SADC and the geopolitical dimensions of Africa’s energy transition. Through her work, she seeks to advance sustainable development pathways that are economically inclusive, environmentally responsible, and aligned with Africa’s long-term development aspirations.
Research Interests
- Renewable Energy & Energy Transition Policy
- Critical Minerals Governance & Just Transition
- Climate Policy, Environmental Governance & Sustainable Development
