Data-Driven Climate Action and Energy Transition for Africa
The Professional African Technical Network Advisory (PATNA) Initiative brings together experts, policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society to advance a just, inclusive, and evidence-based energy transition for Africa across maritime, energy, and climate systems.
Our Story
The Professional African Technical Network Advisory (PATNA) Initiative is a non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing climate-resilient development and energy transition pathways that work for Africa.
PATNA was born from a simple but urgent conviction: Africa must shape its future in global climate and energy decision-making. For too long, international policies affecting African economies, infrastructure, and livelihoods have been designed with limited African participation or contextual understanding.
What began as a focused effort to strengthen Africa’s voice in maritime decarbonisation has evolved into a broader mandate that supports the energy transitions, climate governance, and institutional readiness across sectors.
Leading Effective Afrocentric Participation (LEAP) Project Series
Building Africa’s technical and diplomatic capacity to influence global climate and energy rules, from the IMO to international finance mechanisms.
Latest Highlight
Articles, technical briefs, reports, and event outputs from across PATNA’s work.
Between the 14th and 17th of October 2025, 135 countries convened at the London headquarters of the International Maritime Organisation for an extraordinary session. The IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee
When leaders, experts, and civil society gathered at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa for the Africa Climate Summit II (ACS2) this September, the message was unmistakable: Africa will
The Fourth International Maritime Organization (IMO) Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Study, published in 2020, estimated that the maritime industry contributed 2.89% to global anthropogenic GHG emissions in 2018. By 2050, these
PATNA Board of Trustees
Nancy Karigithu
Mrs. Nancy Karigithu is Kenya’s Special Envoy and Advisor for Maritime and Blue Economy in the Executive Office of the President. With over 39 years of experience, she established Kenya’s
Harry Conway
Dr. Harry T. Conway is the Alternate Permanent Representative of Liberia and Chair of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Dolapo Oluteye
Dr. Dola Oluteye is a distinguished engineer and PhD scholar at the UCL Energy Institute, with over 25 years’ experience in environmental design, engineering, and construction management.
Gbolahan Oyefesobi
Maj Gen Gbolahan Oyefesobi (Rtd) is a distinguished graduate of the Nigerian Defence Academy and was commissioned into the Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army in 1989.
PATNA Cohorts & members
Academia
Researchers and universities advancing evidence-based insights and knowledge exchange across Africa.
Policy
Technical advisors and policymakers shaping national, regional, and international climate and maritime governance.
Industry
Private-sector partners driving innovation and sustainable solutions for the African blue economy.
Civil Society
Bringing civil society voices into maritime decarbonisation and climate justice, ensuring communities are heard.
Partners & Affiliations
Working with leading institutions across Africa and globally
Ready to shape Africa's maritime future?
Join more than 100 specialists already collaborating through PATNA’s cohorts.