Africa Fellowship for Young Energy Leaders (AFYEL) 2025
- Omran Aburayya
- Aug 22
- 3 min read
If you're an emerging African professional passionate about renewable energy, the Africa Fellowship for Young Energy Leaders (AFYEL) 2025 presents an incredible opportunity. This six-month, no-cost fellowship equips early-career engineers, researchers, policy practitioners, economists, and finance professionals with the knowledge and networks needed to advance Africa’s clean energy transition and deliver a zero-carbon future.
Applications are now open, deadline: 4 September 2025 .
💡 Fellowship At-a-Glance
Location: Virtual; with a one-month internship component (likely with industry or partner organizations)
Host Institution: The Renewable Energy Technology Training Institute (RETTI), in partnership with RETTI Virtual University, academic institutions, government agencies, and private sector partners
Program Structure: 6-month online fellowship plus a 1-month internship; includes a capstone project and virtual summit
Tracks Available:
Bioenergy
Hydropower
Solar PV
Onshore Wind
Focal Areas Covered:
Engineering
Economics
Financing
Eligibility:
Age typically 21–35 years
Citizens of African countries, with undergraduate, postgraduate, or PhD qualifications in relevant fields (e.g., Physics, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Economics, Solar Energy, Finance, etc.)
Proficiency in English required
Benefits:
World-class, practitioner-led training across renewable technologies
One-month internship placement
Capstone project addressing a real local energy problem
Networking with global experts, mentorship opportunities, access to industry and grant partners
Access to alumni networks and continued professional development opportunities
🎓 Fellowship Overview
The AFYEL program is delivered virtually and is structured as follows:
Foundational Module: Core knowledge across all four renewable technologies (Bioenergy, Hydropower, Solar PV, Onshore Wind).
Specialized Track: Fellows select one area of focus and deepen their understanding through applied case studies, lectures, and mentorship.
Capstone Project: Each participant designs a solution to a local energy challenge, with top projects receiving recognition, mentorship, or internship support .
Internship: A one-month industry placement to gain practical experience and expand professional networks.
Virtual Summit & Ongoing Support: Engage with global energy leaders and alumni to refine ideas and advance in the sector .
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following:
Age: Typically between 21 and 35 years by application deadline .
Academic Background: Hold at least a Bachelor's degree (or higher) in a relevant field: Physics, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Economics, Finance, Solar Energy, etc. .
Nationality: Must be a citizen of an African country .
Language: Proficiency in English (reading, writing, speaking) is required .
Commitment: Candidates must be able to commit full-time to the six-month program plus the internship .
🎁 Benefits
This fellowship offers:
Deep, practical training in renewable energy technologies, taught by global experts .
Hands-on experience through a one-month internship.
Problem-solving skills, via a capstone project addressing real-world energy issues.
Mentorship and networking, including participation in a virtual summit with industry leaders.
Alumni access and ongoing professional opportunities post-fellowship .
📝 Application Procedure & Key Dates
Application Deadline: 4 September 2025 .
Program Duration: Six months virtual training, followed by one-month internship.
Selection Process: Applications are evaluated by a multidisciplinary panel using clear criteria like technical fit, motivation, and potential for impact .
📝 To apply, visit the official AFYEL platform
🤔 Why Apply?
The AFYEL Fellowship is more than education—it’s empowerment. You’ll:
Gain multidisciplinary and practical renewable energy skills.
Build leadership capacity to contribute to Africa’s clean energy future.
Expand your network with global experts, industry partners, and fellow young leaders.
Translate learning into tangible innovation through capstone solutions.
Join a growing alumni community driving sustainable impact across the continent.
