Closing Date: 31 August 2026
Call for Applications for the Milan Executive School 2026 is now open: Full scholarships available to outstanding candidates to attend in Italy
RES4Africa Foundation has officially launched the Call for Applications for the Milan Executive School 2026, its flagship programme dedicated to empowering professionals leading Africa’s energy transition.
The 2026 edition will explore key topics such as AI-driven innovations in the power sector and solutions to expand electricity access in urban and peri-urban areas.
Overview
RES4Africa Foundation has officially launched the Call for Applications for the 2026 edition of the Milan Executive School, its flagship programme dedicated to strengthening the skills and leadership of professionals driving Africa’s sustainable energy transition.
The programme will take place in Milan, Italy, from 23 November to 4 December 2026, offering a two-week, in-person learning experience designed to combine academic excellence with practical, industry-oriented insights.
Implemented in partnership Gestore Servizi Energetici (GSE), with the support of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), Enel Foundation, the European Investment Bank (EIB), and in collaboration with POLIMI Graduate School of Management and SDA Bocconi School of Management, the Executive School brings together leading international institutions, academia, and private sector expertise to deliver a multidisciplinary training programme.
Since its launch in 2014, the initiative has trained more than 1,300 professionals from 38 countries, contributing to the development of technical, regulatory, financial, and managerial capacities across Africa’s energy sector. The programme targets experienced professionals and emerging leaders committed to advancing renewable energy deployment, strengthening institutions, and supporting sustainable development.
The 2026 edition will include approximately 80 hours of training, combining lectures, case studies, workshops, group work, and technical site visits, while fostering peer exchange and networking among participants from across the continent. This year’s programme will place particular focus on AI-driven innovations in the power sector, as well as strategies to expand access to electricity in urban and peri-urban areas.
A limited number of full scholarships will be made available to outstanding candidates. The scholarship covers tuition fees, international travel, accommodation, and participation in all programme activities, supporting access to high-level capacity building opportunities.
The call is open to African professionals with significant experience in the energy sector, strong leadership potential, and a demonstrated commitment to sustainable energy development. RES4Africa Foundation promotes diversity and inclusion in the selection process and strongly encourages applications from women.
The application process is now open, and interested candidates can apply through the official application form available below. For further details, applicants are invited to consult the full Call for Applications.
Why Apply?
Participating in the Executive School offers a unique opportunity to:
- Gain cutting-edge knowledge on renewable energy technologies, electricity markets, regulation, finance, and energy planning.
- Learn directly from internationally recognised academics, policymakers, industry experts, and development finance institutions.
- Exchange experiences and best practices with professionals from across Africa.
- Build a strong professional network that extends beyond the duration of the programme.
- Join a growing community of Executive School alumni actively contributing to Africa’s sustainable energy transition.
Participants
Each edition of the Executive School brings together a carefully selected cohort of high-achieving African professionals with demonstrated experience and leadership potential.
Participants represent a wide range of institutions across the energy ecosystem, including:
- Government institutions and ministries;
- Regulatory authorities;
- Utilities;
- Transmission and Distribution System Operators;
- Renewable energy developers;
- Energy agencies;
- Financial institutions;
- Universities and research centres;
- Civil society organisations;
- International organisations.
For this edition, the Executive School will welcome 30 African professionals, selected through an open, transparent, and merit-based process.
RES4Africa Foundation is committed to promoting diversity, inclusion, and gender equality throughout the selection process. Applications from qualified women are strongly encouraged.
