The Open Africa Power Program 2025 is opening doors for young African professionals, with up to 80 students expected to participate this year.

The program is particularly focused on achieving gender balance, with at least 50% of participants being women.

This exciting initiative, in partnership with leading academic institutions from both Italy and Africa, will engage nearly 500 alumni in a series of professional development and leadership activities designed to shape the future of the energy sector.

Who Is Behind This Game-Changing Program?

The Open Africa Power Program is a collaboration between several prestigious universities such as University of Cape Town – Graduate School of Business (UCT), the African School of Regulation, Politecnico di Torino, Politecnico di Milano, and SDA Bocconi.

These institutions will play an integral role in shaping the knowledge and skills of the participants through both online and residential modules.

Program Structure: What Participants Can Expect

The program structure combines both local and international experts from academia and industry to deliver various modules.

Here’s a closer look at some of the key learning experiences:

Digital African Module: The Future of Energy

Kicking off in early June and continuing through mid-July 2025, this 24-hour digital module will delve deep into the state of the global electricity sector.

It will focus on sustainable development goals and the intersection of energy and gender equality, offering an in-depth look at:

Network technologies, regulation, and economics
Renewable energy technologies, regulation, and economics
The role of ICT in digitalizing the electricity industry

This digital-only module will be delivered by UCT and the African School of Regulation, making it a rich learning experience for participants.

Eligibility Requirements: Are You Ready for This Opportunity?

The application process for the Open Africa Power Program is highly competitive and based on merit.

If you’re passionate about the energy sector and meet the following criteria, this could be your chance:

You must be aged between 24 and 35 as of April 14, 2025.
You must be a citizen of an African country and either reside in Africa or plan to relocate to the continent by the end of 2025.
You must have graduated by April 16, 2025, with at least one degree from an African university. Please note that undergraduates, Bachelor’s degree holders, and graduate students are not eligible.
You should be fluent in English (CEFR C1 level) and have proof of proficiency.
A demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in the electricity sector, whether in the public or private sector, is a must.
You should have a strong commitment to gender equality and promoting women’s empowerment in and beyond the program.

External Partner Online Course: Designing Energy Policies for a Sustainable Future

In addition to the digital and residential modules, participants will also take part in an online course titled “Energy Sector for Energy Transition.”

This course, delivered by an accredited external partner, will run from early June to mid-October 2025, allowing participants to gain a comprehensive understanding of how to design energy policies that drive sustainable energy access.

At the end of the course, participants will complete a Country Project and may earn a Certificate of Attendance, Certificate of Completion, or Certificate of Excellence, depending on their performance and engagement.

Italian Module: A Deep Dive into the New Frontiers of Energy

The Italian Module will include both residential and online components to provide a hands-on, immersive experience:

A Week in Italy: Exploring Innovation

The residential week, scheduled for the second half of 2025, will take participants to Italy, where they will have the opportunity to visit cutting-edge power plants, experimental labs, and training facilities.

They will also engage in discussions with government, business, and nonprofit leaders on the future of clean energy in Africa.

Online Learning: New Frontiers of Energy

From mid-October to early December 2025, participants will engage in an eight-week online course taught by Politecnico di Torino, Politecnico di Milano, and SDA Bocconi. Topics will include:

Additive Manufacturing
ICT applications in network management
Economic and environmental impact accounting
Renewable energy potential and climate change
Decision-making under uncertainty in the energy transition

Give Back Module: Sharing Knowledge and Leadership

After completing the Italian module, participants may have the opportunity to contribute to Enel Foundation’s educational initiatives in Africa and beyond.

This “Give Back” module allows alumni to get involved in teaching and other activities that help spread the knowledge they’ve gained through the program.

How to Apply: Get Started Today!

The application period for the Open Africa Power Program opens on April 14, 2025, and closes on May 16, 2025.
To apply, candidates must submit the following documents through the dedicated platform:

CV in PDF format
Bachelor’s and Master’s degree certificates, as well as academic transcripts
Passport copy in PDF format
Motivation letter (max 700 words)
Two reference letters from industry, academia, or civil servant representatives

Make sure you apply early to give yourself the best chance of success!

This program offers an exciting opportunity for African professionals to gain the skills and knowledge needed to lead the continent into a sustainable energy future.

If you’re passionate about energy and want to be part of this transformative initiative, don’t miss your chance to apply!