D4.3 - Conceptualising and operationalising the value of equity, justice, fairness, and sustainability in African research and innovation

In this report the focus is on how the values of justice, fairness, equity, and sustainability are conceptualised, examined and practiced in ‘western’ and African analyses of energy transition. Access to energy has emerged as a critical priority for socio-economic development worldwide and promoted globally through the targets of SDG7 of the UN Agenda 2030. SDG7 is ‘gender blind’: it has no gender equality targets or gender indicators. This has had consequence for research on SDG7, which almost completely neglects questions about gender-related inequality issues. For Africa, the SDG7 ambition to enable “universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy”, is not just a technological challenge, but a necessity to make progress towards poverty elevation, improving health and education, and supporting women’s empowerment.