The RES4Africa Foundation has opened applications for the Milan Executive School 2026, a prestigious leadership and capacity-building programme designed to equip professionals with the knowledge, skills, and networks required to accelerate Africa’s sustainable energy transition.
The two-week executive training programme will take place in Milan, Italy, from 23 November to 4 December 2026, bringing together experienced energy professionals, emerging leaders, academics, policymakers, and private sector experts from across Africa and beyond.
A limited number of fully funded scholarships will be awarded to outstanding candidates. The scholarships cover:
- Tuition fees
- International travel costs
- Accommodation
- Participation in programme activities
The programme provides a unique opportunity for African energy professionals to strengthen their technical, regulatory, financial, and managerial expertise while engaging with global leaders in renewable energy and sustainable development.
About the RES4Africa Milan Executive School
The Milan Executive School is the flagship training programme of the RES4Africa Foundation, focused on developing leadership capacity for Africa’s renewable energy sector.
Since its establishment in 2014, the programme has trained more than:
- 1,300 professionals
- From 38 countries
The initiative contributes to strengthening Africa’s energy sector by supporting professionals working to expand renewable energy deployment, improve energy access, strengthen institutions, and advance sustainable development.
The 2026 edition continues this mission by combining academic knowledge with practical industry experience through interactive learning methods.
Programme Highlights
The Milan Executive School 2026 will provide approximately 80 hours of intensive training, including:
- Expert lectures
- Case studies
- Practical workshops
- Group assignments
- Technical site visits
- Peer-to-peer learning sessions
- Professional networking opportunities
Participants will learn from leading experts representing international organizations, universities, financial institutions, energy companies, and development partners.
The programme is designed to provide participants with practical tools they can apply within their organizations and countries to support clean energy transformation.
Focus Areas of the 2026 Programme
The 2026 edition will address key challenges and opportunities shaping Africa’s energy future.
Major themes include:
Renewable Energy Development
Participants will explore strategies for accelerating renewable energy deployment and increasing the role of clean energy technologies in Africa’s development.
Topics may include:
- Renewable energy investment
- Energy policy frameworks
- Sustainable infrastructure development
- Private sector participation
AI and Digital Innovation in the Power Sector
The programme will place special attention on emerging technologies, including:
- Artificial intelligence applications in energy systems
- Digital transformation of electricity networks
- Data-driven decision-making in the power sector
Participants will examine how innovation can improve energy planning, reliability, and efficiency.
Expanding Electricity Access
The programme will also explore solutions for increasing electricity access in urban and peri-urban communities.
Participants will discuss:
- Energy access challenges
- Inclusive energy systems
- Innovative financing approaches
- Sustainable power solutions
Fully Funded Scholarship Opportunity
RES4Africa Foundation will provide a limited number of scholarships to exceptional applicants.
The scholarship package covers:
- Full programme tuition
- International flights
- Accommodation in Milan
- Participation in all scheduled activities
These scholarships are intended to support talented professionals who may otherwise face financial barriers to accessing international executive education.
Competition for funded places is expected to be high, and applicants are encouraged to submit strong applications demonstrating leadership potential and commitment to Africa’s energy transition.
Who Can Apply?
The Milan Executive School 2026 is open to African professionals who demonstrate:
- Significant experience in the energy sector
- Leadership potential
- Commitment to sustainable energy development
- Interest in renewable energy and energy transition
- Professional involvement in advancing Africa’s energy future
The programme is particularly suitable for:
- Energy professionals
- Government officials
- Renewable energy specialists
- Utility sector professionals
- Policy experts
- Development practitioners
- Private sector leaders
- Emerging energy entrepreneurs
RES4Africa encourages applications from qualified women professionals and promotes diversity and inclusion throughout the selection process.
Programme Partners
The Milan Executive School is implemented in partnership with:
- Gestore Servizi Energetici (GSE)
- Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI)
- Enel Foundation
- European Investment Bank (EIB)
- POLIMI Graduate School of Management
- SDA Bocconi School of Management
Through these partnerships, the programme connects participants with world-class academic institutions, energy experts, financial organizations, and industry leaders.
Benefits of Participating in the Milan Executive School
Selected participants will gain:
- Advanced knowledge of renewable energy systems
- Leadership development skills
- Exposure to international energy experts
- Practical understanding of energy investment and policy
- Professional networking opportunities
- Collaboration opportunities with African and global energy leaders
- Certificate from a globally recognized executive training programme
Graduates become part of a growing network of professionals working to transform Africa’s energy landscape.
Application Deadline
Interested candidates must submit their applications by:
31 August 2026
Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
How to Apply
Eligible candidates should complete the official application process through the RES4Africa Foundation application platform.
Applicants should prepare information demonstrating:
- Professional experience
- Leadership achievements
- Commitment to sustainable energy
- Motivation for joining the programme
Candidates should carefully review the official call for applications before submitting their materials.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Africa’s growing population, economic development, and urbanization require innovative energy solutions capable of supporting inclusive growth.
The RES4Africa Milan Executive School provides professionals with the skills and international exposure needed to develop renewable energy projects, strengthen institutions, and contribute to Africa’s clean energy future.
For professionals working in the energy sector, this fully funded executive programme represents an opportunity to gain world-class training while joining a network of leaders shaping sustainable development across the continent.
