Kodzo Yaotse
Policy Lead, Africa Centre for Energy Policy
“Leadership means ensuring that those who are traditionally underrepresented are not only heard but lead the way in shaping a just and sustainable future.”
Kodzo Yaotse is a public policy specialist in Ghana who concentrates on energy and extractive policy analysis, research, advocacy, and inclusive development campaigns. As a policy lead at the Africa Centre for Energy Policy, he focuses on addressing inequality in the energy and extractive sectors by promoting transparency, accountability, and community representation in governance. Kodzo also works closely with women, young people, and people with disabilities, who have historically been excluded from the benefits and governance of Africa’s vast extractive and energy resources.
Kodzo’s work has resulted in successful advocacy efforts, including the prevention of costly oil asset transactions, termination of non-performing agreements, and mainstream incorporation of wider communities’ representation in resource governance. He also leads programs to develop the capacity of young governance leaders and strengthen civil society organizations’ resilience in West Africa and is the cofounder of Internet4Good Initiative, a Pan-African initiative focused on driving positive narratives on internet use in Africa through media, internet policy, and governance.
Kodzo believes that by working together with those most affected by energy decisions and climate change to find equitable solutions, Africa can build sustainable development for all its people, and everyone can have a meaningful voice in decision-making processes that shape the future of their communities and the continent.