Kellogg DPhil candidate wins Royal Geographical Society award for research on electricity access in sub-Saharan Africa
Junior Mbangala, a DPhil candidate in Sustainable Urban Development has been awarded first prize in the Research Design and Methods category of the 2025 Outstanding Postgraduate Paper Competition, organised by the Energy Geographies Research Group of the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG).
His winning paper, Access to electricity in sub-Saharan Africa’s rural areas: What’s the challenge?, examines the disparity between urban and rural electricity access in the region. On average, 80% of the rural population lacks access to electricity. Junior’s study highlights that renewable energy can improve efficiency in rural electricity production, and that private sector participation could help drive progress. However, the affordability of electricity remains the greatest barrier for rural households. The paper proposes targeted reforms to address these challenges.
Reflecting on the award, Junior said:
‘When I first joined Oxford, I didn’t know that my master’s would lead me on a research path, and especially to my current DPhil. Looking back now, I’m happy to see how much I’ve grown. Winning this award gives me the fuel to move forward and continue my ongoing work on electricity access. On a macro level, receiving this award allows me to step into a wider sphere of knowledge while also bringing greater visibility to challenges faced in sub-Saharan Africa. As an African descendant, it strengthens my determination to go further, to keep pushing boundaries and opening doors for others.
This recognition wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of my co-authors, Dr Patrick Mande, and my father Professor Augustin Mbangala. The chance to collaborate academically with my father is an opportunity I will always cherish.’
Junior’s research at Kellogg focuses on energy systems in Belgium, with particular attention to energy communities and their implications for energy poverty. Alongside his doctoral studies, Junior participates in diplomatic forums at the World Trade Organization in Geneva, contributing to discussions on trade and environmental sustainability.
