Call for Applications: Milan Executive School for African Professionals

The RES4Africa Foundation is inviting applications for the Milan Executive School 2026, an advanced leadership and capacity-building programme for professionals driving Africa’s sustainable energy transition. A limited number of fully funded scholarships are available, covering tuition, international airfare, accommodation, and participation in all programme activities.

About the RES4Africa Foundation Milan Executive School 2026

The Milan Executive School 2026 is a flagship executive education programme developed by the RES4Africa Foundation to strengthen leadership and technical expertise within Africa’s energy sector.

The programme equips experienced energy professionals with practical knowledge, leadership skills, and strategic insights needed to accelerate renewable energy deployment, improve electricity access, and support sustainable energy policies across Africa.

The Executive School combines academic learning with real-world industry experience through expert lectures, practical workshops, technical site visits, networking events, and collaborative group projects.

Programme Partners

The programme is implemented by the RES4Africa Foundation 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

These partners contribute international expertise in renewable energy, policy, finance, leadership, and sustainable development.

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to:

• Build leadership capacity in Africa’s energy sector.
• Support Africa’s sustainable energy transition.
• Strengthen renewable energy expertise.
• Improve institutional and policy leadership.
• Promote innovation in electricity systems.
• Enhance knowledge of energy finance and investment.
• Increase access to sustainable electricity solutions.
• Foster collaboration among African energy professionals.

Areas of Focus

Participants will gain knowledge in:

• Renewable energy.
• Sustainable energy transition.
• Energy policy and regulation.
• Power sector innovation.
• Leadership development.
• Institutional strengthening.
• Energy finance.
• Artificial intelligence in the power sector.
• Electricity access.
• Urban electrification.
• Peri-urban electrification.
• Capacity building for Africa’s energy sector.

Programme Structure

Participants will complete approximately 80 hours of executive training.

Learning activities include:

• Expert lectures.
• Practical case studies.
• Interactive workshops.
• Group projects.
• Technical site visits.
• Networking sessions.
• Peer learning with professionals from across Africa.

The programme combines academic excellence with practical industry experience to prepare participants for leadership roles in the energy sector.

Scholarship Benefits

A limited number of fully funded scholarships are available.

The scholarship covers:

• Full tuition fees.
• International airfare.
• Accommodation.
• Participation in all programme activities.

This support enables selected participants to attend the programme in Italy without bearing major programme costs.

Who is Eligible?

Applicants must:

• Be nationals of an African country, or
• Legally reside in an African country.

They should also demonstrate professional experience, leadership potential, and a commitment to sustainable energy development.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be nationals of or legally reside in an African country.
• Have significant professional experience in the energy sector (generally at least 10 years, where applicable).
• Demonstrate leadership potential.
• Show commitment to sustainable energy development.
• Be proficient in English.
• Be eligible to travel to Italy.

Women are strongly encouraged to apply as part of the programme’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Who Should Apply?

The programme is particularly suitable for:

• Energy sector professionals.
• Renewable energy specialists.
• Utility executives.
• Energy policymakers.
• Government officials.
• Energy regulators.
• Infrastructure professionals.
• Development finance practitioners.
• Electricity access experts.
• Sustainability leaders.
• Professionals working on Africa’s energy transition.

Why This Programme Matters

Africa’s growing demand for reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy requires skilled leaders who can develop innovative policies, mobilise investment, and implement modern energy solutions.

The Milan Executive School helps build this leadership capacity by providing experienced professionals with advanced knowledge, international exposure, and practical skills to strengthen energy systems and accelerate renewable energy development across the continent.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should:

1. Review the official eligibility criteria.
2. Confirm they meet the professional experience requirements.
3. Prepare the required application documents.
4. Demonstrate leadership achievements and experience in the energy sector.
5. Complete the official online application.
6. Submit the application before the programme deadline.
7. Await notification regarding scholarship and programme selection.

Tips for Applicants

To strengthen your application:

• Highlight leadership experience in the energy sector.
• Demonstrate measurable professional achievements.
• Explain your contribution to sustainable energy development.
• Showcase experience in renewable energy or electricity access projects.
• Emphasise policy, regulatory, or institutional experience where applicable.
• Clearly explain how the programme will benefit your organisation and country.
• Ensure all supporting documents are complete and accurate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid the following:

• Submitting incomplete applications.
• Providing insufficient evidence of professional experience.
• Failing to demonstrate leadership potential.
• Ignoring English language requirements.
• Providing unclear career objectives.
• Missing the application deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the Milan Executive School 2026?

Nationals of, or individuals legally residing in, African countries who have significant experience in the energy sector are eligible to apply.

Is the programme fully funded?

Yes. A limited number of fully funded scholarships cover tuition fees, international airfare, accommodation, and participation in all programme activities.

How long is the training programme?

Participants complete approximately 80 hours of executive education through lectures, workshops, technical visits, case studies, and networking activities.

What topics are covered?

The programme covers renewable energy, sustainable energy transition, energy policy, regulation, leadership, energy finance, artificial intelligence in the power sector, electricity access, and power sector innovation.

Is professional experience required?

Yes. Applicants are generally expected to have at least 10 years of professional experience in the energy sector, where applicable.

Is English proficiency required?

Yes. Applicants must be proficient in English to participate successfully in the programme.

Are women encouraged to apply?

Yes. The programme strongly encourages applications from women as part of its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Conclusion

The RES4Africa Foundation Milan Executive School 2026 provides an outstanding opportunity for experienced African energy professionals to strengthen their leadership, technical expertise, and international networks. Through world-class executive training, practical industry exposure, and fully funded scholarships, the programme supports the next generation of leaders driving Africa’s sustainable energy transition and expanding access to clean, reliable, and affordable energy across the continent.