The African Energy Leadership Centre (AELC) at the Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, has opened applications for a fully funded PhD in Management (Energy Leadership), offering an exciting opportunity for aspiring researchers interested in South Africa’s rapidly evolving Green Hydrogen Economy.
Sponsored by the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA), the programme seeks exceptional candidates with strong academic backgrounds and a passion for developing innovative solutions to Africa’s energy challenges. Successful applicants will conduct cutting-edge doctoral research exploring how green hydrogen can contribute to a more resilient, sustainable, and secure energy future for South Africa and the continent.
Applications for the pre-application stage close on 29 July 2026, giving interested candidates limited time to submit their expressions of interest.
About the African Energy Leadership Centre (AELC)
Established in 2017, the African Energy Leadership Centre (AELC) is the first and only institution of its kind in Africa dedicated to developing leadership, research, and innovation within the energy sector.
Based at the Wits Business School in Johannesburg, South Africa, the Centre focuses on preparing current and future leaders capable of addressing the continent’s rapidly changing energy landscape.
Through advanced research, executive education, and postgraduate programmes, AELC aims to strengthen Africa’s capacity to deliver sustainable, inclusive, and innovative energy solutions.
The Centre’s work spans multiple energy disciplines, with increasing emphasis on emerging technologies such as renewable energy, energy transition strategies, and green hydrogen.
Fully Funded PhD Focuses on the Green Hydrogen Economy
The doctoral opportunity is specifically designed for candidates interested in advancing research within the Green Hydrogen Economy, one of South Africa’s fastest-growing strategic sectors.
Green hydrogen is increasingly recognised as a critical component of the country’s transition towards cleaner energy systems. Researchers are expected to investigate how hydrogen technologies can support:
- Energy security
- Sustainable industrial development
- Renewable energy integration
- Energy supply and demand optimisation
- Infrastructure resilience
- Low-carbon economic growth
The programme encourages research capable of generating practical insights that can support policymakers, industry stakeholders, and communities as South Africa expands its hydrogen economy.
Scholarship Funding
The PhD position is fully funded through the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA).
Funding is awarded on a competitive basis, with successful applicants selected according to:
- Academic excellence
- Research potential
- Alignment with programme objectives
- Overall quality of the proposed research concept
Successful candidates may pursue the PhD on either a:
- Full-time basis
- Part-time basis
The doctoral programme will be hosted at the African Energy Leadership Centre within Wits Business School for the duration of the funding period.
Who Should Apply?
The opportunity is ideal for highly motivated graduates who wish to build careers in academic research, energy policy, sustainable development, or the green energy sector.
Applicants should demonstrate:
- A strong academic background.
- Interest in energy leadership and sustainable energy transitions.
- Passion for Green Hydrogen research.
- Ability to undertake independent doctoral-level research.
- Commitment to addressing Africa’s energy challenges through innovative scholarship.
The Centre particularly welcomes candidates capable of producing research that combines theoretical excellence with practical relevance.
Research Areas of Interest
Applicants are expected to develop research proposals within the Green Hydrogen Economy.
Possible themes include:
- Green hydrogen production and deployment
- Energy transition strategies
- Renewable energy integration
- Energy systems resilience
- Hydrogen technologies and innovation
- Sustainable industrial development
- Energy infrastructure optimisation
- Climate change mitigation
- Low-carbon development pathways
- Energy leadership and governance
The proposed research should demonstrate originality while addressing pressing challenges facing South Africa’s energy sector.
Application Requirements
Interested applicants must first complete the pre-application process before proceeding to the formal online application stage.
Applicants will be required to provide:
- Full names and contact details
- Highest academic qualification
- Awarding institution
- Final academic results or grade
- Date of qualification completion
- Broad discipline (Energy)
- A 300-word research concept
- Suggested academic supervisor (where applicable)
The research concept should include the following headings:
- Proposed Title
- Main Research Questions
- Motivation for Proposed Research
The proposed project must specifically focus on the Green Hydrogen Economy.
Two-Stage Application Process
The recruitment process involves two stages.
Stage One: Pre-Application
Applicants must complete the online pre-application form before 29 July 2026.
Successful completion of this stage generates a unique reference number required for the second application phase.
Stage Two: Full Application
Applicants who complete the pre-application process will use their unique reference number to proceed with the formal online application.
Candidates are encouraged to prepare all supporting documents early to avoid delays before the deadline.
Why Green Hydrogen Matters
South Africa has emerged as one of Africa’s leading countries investing in green hydrogen due to its abundant renewable energy resources, industrial capabilities, and strategic mineral reserves.
Green hydrogen has the potential to:
- Decarbonise heavy industries
- Support clean transport systems
- Improve electricity system flexibility
- Create new employment opportunities
- Boost export competitiveness
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
As governments and industries accelerate investments in clean energy technologies, researchers specialising in hydrogen systems are expected to play an increasingly important role in shaping future policy and innovation.
Why Study at AELC?
Joining the African Energy Leadership Centre provides candidates with access to:
- Africa’s first dedicated energy leadership centre
- World-class supervision
- Industry-focused research
- Strong academic networks
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Opportunities to contribute to national and continental energy policy
The Centre’s location within Wits Business School also allows researchers to combine technical energy research with leadership, management, governance, and policy perspectives.
Key Dates at a Glance
Prospective applicants should note the following important deadline:
- Pre-application deadline: 29 July 2026
Applicants are encouraged to begin preparing their research ideas well in advance, as selection is highly competitive.
Final Thoughts
The African Energy Leadership Centre’s Fully Funded PhD in Management (Energy Leadership) offers an outstanding opportunity for researchers seeking to contribute to one of Africa’s most important emerging industries. Supported by CHIETA, the programme combines full funding with access to a leading research environment focused on developing innovative solutions for South Africa’s energy transition.
For graduates passionate about renewable energy, sustainability, and leadership, this PhD represents a unique opportunity to undertake impactful research that could influence the future of the Green Hydrogen Economy while building expertise in one of the world’s fastest-growing energy sectors.
Interested candidates should complete the pre-application process before 29 July 2026 and begin preparing a strong research concept that demonstrates both academic excellence and practical relevance to South Africa’s evolving energy landscape.
