Mr. Cheikh Niane is an experienced energy engineer with a distinguished career spanning both the public and private sectors. He holds a Master’s degree in Engineering Sciences and Technologies Applications from the University of Paris/National Institute of Nuclear Sciences and Technology (Paris-Saclay). He also completed the Nuclear Infrastructure Management Executive Program at the Argonne National Laboratory, University of Chicago, specializing in advanced nuclear energy systems. Currently, Mr. Niane serves as the General Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Petroleum and Mining in Senegal and has been the Permanent Secretary for Energy until may 2022. His extensive background in the energy sector includes serving as Deputy Permanent Secretary for Energy from January 2018 to January 2021. Prior to his governmental roles, he was the Senior Manager at Wärtsilä West Africa from August 2013 to December 2017, where he managed energy projects and collaborated with national electricity companies across West Africa. Earlier in his career, Mr. Niane contributed to power infrastructure in Senegal as the Coordinator of Production and Rehabilitation Projects for Power Plants within the Ministry of Energy (August 2011 to July 2013). He began his professional journey as a Nuclear Power Engineer with the French group AREVA NP, from October 2007 to July 2011, which provided him with a solid foundation in nuclear energy. Additionally, Mr. Niane is a certified expert of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and currently coordinates the National Technical Committee for the establishment of Senegal’s nuclear research reactor project. His work reflects a deep commitment to advancing Senegal’s energy infrastructure through sustainable and innovative energy solutions.