The Blended Executive Program is a hybrid, intensive training held from November 2025 to February 2026 designed to build capacity for science, innovation, and policy within Africa’s energy sector. Supported by the Italian Higher Education with Africa (IHEA) Foundation, this fully-funded program targets junior African researchers, early-career lecturers, and young government officials working on or interested in driving Africa’s just energy transition.
The program responds to the growing need for deeper collaboration in science and research between Europe and Africa. It is part of the wider AU-EU Innovation Agenda, aligned with the UN Agenda 2030, UNESCO Mid Term Strategy 2022-2029; AU Agenda 2063, and Italy’s Mattei Plan, which prioritizes peer-to-peer cooperation with African countries in science, education, and research.
This BEP has a specific threefold objective for the target audience:
- to increase participants’ knowledge of the just energy transition and clarify implications for Africa
- to provide appropriate tools to study energy solutions with an open source and open data approach
- to strengthen partnerships and collaboration opportunities with the home universities (joint labs)
Program Benefits
- Fully funded: Covers tuition, accommodation, meals during training, and other administrative costs
- Hybrid format: Combines online learning with residential training in Italy
- Expert-led training: Engage with leading academics and professionals in sustainable energy, research, and policy
- International exposure: Build networks with peers and mentors across Africa and Europe
- Insurance support: Medical and liability insurance during in-person training
Eligibility
The BEP is open to:
- Early-career academics: Junior lecturers, young researchers, or professors at African universities or research centers
- Young officials from Ministries or Local Energy Authorities
Eligible countries: Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Morocco, Mozambique, Tanzania, Tunisia
Program Timeline
- Applications open: 4 July 2025
- Deadline for applications: 21 July 2025
- Results announced: 28 July 2025
- Deadline to confirm participation: 1 August 2025
Application Requirements
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a scientific or technological field (not limited to energy engineering).
Required documents include:
- Degree certificate and transcripts
- Copy of a valid passport
- Curriculum Vitae (in English, max 2 pages)
- Motivational letter (in English, max 1 page)
- Institutional support letter (in English, max 1 page, signed on official letterhead)
- Proof of English proficiency (optional but recommended)
- International credit or prepaid card (e.g. Revolut, Wise) required for reimbursement processing
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Selection Process
The selection will be carried out in two stages:
Step 1: Review of submitted documents for eligibility and quality
Step 2: Video interviews with shortlisted candidates (max 40) assessing:
- Communication and teamwork skills
- Knowledge of sustainable development, Agenda 2030 and 2063
- Multidisciplinary and cross-sectoral thinking
- Commitment to local and global impact
Candidates will be scored across key areas, with a minimum of 36 out of 60 points required for selection. A reserve list will be maintained for replacements.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online via the official portal by 21st July 2025
If you’re a young African academic or public sector official passionate about sustainable energy and innovation, this is your opportunity to lead Africa’s just energy transition and drive meaningful change in your country and beyond.
For more opportunities, visit opportunitiesforyouth.org.
