The Political Economy of Hydropower Dependant Nations

Fletcher Master of International Business Alumnus Imad Ahmed (F’11) published a book titled “The Political Economy of Hydropower Dependant Nations.” The book aims to inform better energy policy in hydropower-dependent countries which are vulnerable to climate shocks. Using Zambia as a case study, Ahmed focuses on the impact of increasing energy insecurity as global warming affects a fifth of the world population living in these regions, many of which are afflicted by long standing droughts and other environmental challenges.

The book offers supply-side and demand-side recommendations at the national, continental, and global level and contains original data collected by Ahmed that highlights the impact of power outages on manufacturing firms in Zambia.

Imad Ahmed is an Energy and Climate Change Advisor for African nations and a Research Fellow at University College London, who focuses on resilient infrastructure in resource-constrained settings. In addition to being a published author, he has negotiated thermal and renewable energy projects.

Ahmed graduated from The Fletcher School with a Master of International Business (MIB) in 2011. In an interview that took place during his studies, he remarked that he was initially drawn to the MIB program because it combined his interests in international affairs and global business. Additionally, he noted that Fletcher’s tight-knit, global network and the diversity of its student body introduced him to a wide array of new perspectives and disciplines that allowed him to better navigate his professional career path.