2026 Speakers

Dr. Lesego Molapisi is a leading Sustainable Development Economist and African thought leader specialising in energy transition and Africa’s evolving resource futures. She is the Founding Executive Director of The Transition Think Tank, where she leads high-impact research, policy advisory, and strategic partnerships supporting governments and institutions to navigate complex climate, energy, and industrial transitions. Her work focuses on aligning Africa’s natural resource endowments, including minerals and energy systems, with long-term economic transformation, competitiveness, and inclusive growth. Dr. Molapisi is widely recognised for her ability to translate complex transition dynamics into clear, policy-relevant insights that inform national decision-making and investment pathways. She has previously led the Sustainability portfolio at Debswana Diamond Company and has extensive experience engaging senior policymakers, development partners, and the private sector – a trusted voice in shaping just and pragmatic energy transition strategies across the continent. Dr. Molapisi contributes actively to global and African policy dialogues, bringing evidence-based African perspective to conversations on mining, energy, climate and sustainable development. She holds a Ph.D. in Economics focusing on Energy Security from Southern Federal University in Russia and a master’s degree in World Economy with a focus on global mineral economics.