Dr. Patrick Tolani

An international strategic partnerships, sustainability and development executive with more than 25 years of experience spanning government, the United Nations, international development, academia, legal practice and the private sector. He specialises in building partnerships between governments, multilateral institutions, development organisations, investors, universities, businesses and communities to advance sustainable economic development, renewable energy, climate action and inclusive growth. Dr. Tolani is the Chief Executive Officer of Community Energy Social Enterprise Limited (CESEL), where he leads initiatives focused on renewable energy, energy access, sustainable agriculture, climate resilience and community economic empowerment. CESEL has developed partnerships supporting renewable-energy deployment and productive-use applications, including solar mini-grids and solar irrigation. He previously served as Technical Adviser to the Governor of Ondo State on Strategy and Partnerships, providing advice on policy and strategy, investment mobilisation, government relations, strategic partnerships and sustainable development. He also served as Principal Adviser – Trade and Commerce with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Timor-Leste, where he worked on trade, private-sector development, institutional strengthening and international partnerships. His wider leadership experience includes senior roles with the Oxfordshire Equality and Human Rights Council, Redeemers Relief Agency International, Oxfam GB, the ACP Group Secretariat in Brussels and Nigerian universities. Dr. Tolani combines strategic leadership, legal expertise, policy advisory, commercial negotiation and cross-sector partnership development. He holds a PhD in Public Management, LL.M, MILR, MPA and LL.B (Hons), as well as a postgraduate qualification in Cross-Sector Partnerships from the University of Cambridge. He is a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. He is also the Chair of the Duke of Edinburgh's Commonwealth Study Conference, Africa.