AI-JETT Framework
Artificial Intelligence-enabled Just Energy Transition Taxonomy for Developing Inclusive and Equitable Energy Systems in Africa
The Energy Challenge in Africa
600M+
People Without Electricity
In Africa
313 GW
Generation Capacity
Installed
900M
Using Traditional Biomass
For cooking
2.5B
Projected Population
By 2050
Africa's energy transition presents a unique opportunity to leapfrog conventional development pathways and establish inclusive, equitable energy systems. However, the complexity of balancing electricity availability, affordability, and equitable access requires structured decision-support frameworks.
This paper develops the Artificial Intelligence-enabled Just Energy Transition Taxonomy (AI-JETT), a novel comprehensive classification system that integrates three critical dimensions—electricity availability, affordability, and equity—into an operational framework for policy and infrastructure planning.
The taxonomy classifies energy systems into four typologies and operationalizes this classification through a four-layer AI architecture encompassing data integration, modeling, policy simulation, and governance.
The energy-population paradox is defined as the systematic structural decoupling between aggregate generation capacity growth and household-level energy access outcomes—a condition in which macroeconomic and infrastructure investments in energy supply do not translate into commensurate improvements in the proportion of the population with reliable, affordable electricity.
Key Mechanisms
- Grid-offgrid mismatch in capacity additions
- Capital concentration in urban nodes
- Political economy of incumbent utilities
- Transmission and distribution constraints
- Demand-side poverty traps
Key Insight
"The constraint is no longer electrons—but systems"
Core Contributions
Integrated Taxonomy
First framework systematically linking availability, affordability, and equity dimensions within a unified classification system for African energy contexts.
AI as Policy Tool
Positions artificial intelligence as a comprehensive policy decision-support system rather than merely a technical optimization instrument.
Validated Framework
Virtual cohort analysis across 180,000 Monte Carlo simulations demonstrates structural robustness and generalizability.
Operational Affordability
Elevates affordability from peripheral concern to core planning dimension with explicit indicators and policy levers.
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
Providing operational metrics and decision-support tools for tracking progress toward affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Providing tools for municipal energy planning that enhance urban sustainability and resilience.