Overview

The specialisation in Economics, Policy and Infrastructure is hosted by the Faculty of Economics and Management at the Université Cheikh Anta Diop (FASEG-UCAD) in Dakar, Senegal, and co-host with by the School of Business and Economics at RWTH Aachen University.

This specialisation focuses on the intricate intersection of economics, policy, and the critical infrastructure required for sustainable energy systems. Students develop a comprehensive understanding of energy markets, investment decisions, regulatory frameworks, and the physical and logistical components underpinning the green hydrogen value chain in West Africa.

The programme adopts an interdisciplinary approach, combining technical knowledge of energy systems with economic analysis and policy assessment. Graduates are equipped to propose adapted solutions to the ongoing energy transition challenges in West Africa, at the nexus of climate change, sustainable development, and green hydrogen deployment.

Learning Objectives

Graduates of this specialisation will be able to:

• Demonstrate understanding of climate change science, its impacts on energy systems, and methods for adaptation.
• Analyse energy production, delivery and consumption across traditional and sustainable systems, with emphasis on energy efficiency and locally available renewables.
• Apply economic principles and policy frameworks to assess green hydrogen projects, energy markets and infrastructure investments.
• Evaluate cost-benefit trade-offs of green energy value chains and develop sustainable financing strategies.
• Engage with stakeholders and use participatory modelling to support energy planning and capacity building.

Programme Structure

The programme spans 5 semesters (120 ECTS), with mobility across three countries. Semesters 1 and 2 are shared with all IMP-EGH tracks and provide a common foundation in energy and green hydrogen technologies.

* 15 ECTS based on well-established study courses at the School of Business and Economics, RWTH Aachen University.

Curriculum

The curriculum comprises 5 semesters of structured academic work, including taught courses, lab activities, field visits, and interaction with industry and policy stakeholders across three countries (Niger, Senegal, Germany). The programme concludes with an independent research thesis carried out at RWTH Aachen University, Forschungszentrum Jülich, or FASEG-UCAD, and defended before a joint evaluation committee.