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At the fault line

A professional journal published by the African Legal Support Facility with insightful articles about the energy sector in Africa.

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The Journal

The Journal

Lightbulb Issue 4

Energy Transition and Arbitration: A Collision Course

There is a growing tension between Africa’s accelerating shift to renewable energy and the increasing exposure of governments to investor-state arbitration. The article reveals how weak procurement processes, institutional capacity gaps, and rigid arbitration doctrines can lead to severe fiscal and developmental consequences for African states. While international arbitration has long been relied upon to attract investment and signal credibility, the article questions whether existing investor-state dispute settlement mechanisms are fit for purpose in the context of climate-driven policy reform and long-term energy transitions. It argues for recalibrated legal and governance approaches at the international, regional, and domestic levels to ensure that arbitration supports, rather than undermines, Africa’s clean energy ambitions.
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Managing Disputes in Energy Projects Practical Steps for African Governments
Managing Disputes in Energy Projects: Practical Steps for African Governments
Managing Disputes in Energy Projects: Practical Steps for African Governments
Frame 10
De-Risking Power Infrastructure Investments in Africa
De-Risking Power Infrastructure Investments in Africa
Partial Risk Guarantees in Sub Saharan Africa Unlocking Infrastructure Development
Partial Risk Guarantees in Sub-Saharan Africa: Unlocking Infrastructure Development
Partial Risk Guarantees in Sub-Saharan Africa: Unlocking Infrastructure Development
Pitfalls in the Procurement of Emergency Power in Africa
Pitfalls in the Procurement of Emergency Power in Africa
Pitfalls in the Procurement of Emergency Power in Africa
Floating Power Sinking Risks Rethinking Mauritiuss Energy Future
Floating Power, Sinking Risks: Rethinking Mauritius’s Energy Future
Floating Power, Sinking Risks: Rethinking Mauritius’s Energy Future
Contract Transparency Busting Myths and Building Better Power Markets
Contract Transparency: Busting Myths and Building Better Power Markets
Contract Transparency: Busting Myths and Building Better Power Markets

Lightbulb Issue 4

Energy through an African lens

The 4th issue of The Lightbulb explores the fault lines shaping Africa’s energy transition, with a particular focus on risk, governance, and investment certainty in the energy sector development. The issue examines how legal frameworks, dispute resolution mechanisms, procurement practices, and financial risk-mitigation tools influence the bankability and sustainability of energy projects across the continent. Through case studies and policy analysis, the contributors interrogate the growing tension between accelerating the energy transition and managing fiscal, regulatory, and arbitration-related exposure faced by African governments and utilities. Collectively, the issue highlights pathways for de-risking power infrastructure, strengthening transparency and contract management, and aligning private investment with Africa’s long-term energy access, affordability, and sustainability goals.

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ALSF Issue 4 Spread
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FAQs

  • What is the Lightbulb journal?

    You can find more about the Lightbulb and the African Legal Support Facility (ALSF) on our about page.

  • Who is the target readership of the Lightbulb journal?

    The target primary readership of the Lightbulb is African governments, especially in transitioning states. The ALSF defines transitioning states as countries that are only eligible for grants from the African Development Fund (ADF) and categorised as “ADF-Only Countries” by the African Development Bank.

    That said, the Lightbulb seeks to push the conversation within the African market about the key issues that affect energy project development across the continent.  Hence, each article will also be relevant for developers, local and international financiers, development institutions, other market participants and Africa-focussed lawyers. 

  • How does the ASLF’s energy sector contribute to solving Africa’s energy gap?

    The ALSF is proud to participate in Africa’s efforts to close the energy gap by supporting innovative and cutting-edge technologies which will push Africa towards the forefront of the global energy transition.

    The ALSF supports African Governments to structure and negotiate energy projects across the technology spectrum, including geothermal, coal-bed methane, and renewable sources such as wind, solar photovoltaic, hydropower and green hydrogen. The ALSF is currently supporting several states in negotiating their first independent power producer (IPP) projects and is also advising on the structuring and negotiating of IPP projects in over 30 countries across the continent.

    The ALSF would be pleased to support your energy project. Please email us at [email protected] to discuss how we can assist and cooperate with your government.

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