EEP Africa Rising Energy Leader 2026 for Young Professionals

Applications are open for the EEP Africa Rising Energy Leader 2026, an initiative recognising young professionals who are contributing to the development and expansion of clean energy across Africa. The award highlights individuals whose work is helping advance clean energy technologies, businesses and solutions, while demonstrating the potential to become influential leaders in the sector.

The initiative is organised by EEP Africa, a clean energy financing facility that supports early stage and innovative clean energy projects in its target countries. Through the Rising Energy Leader award, EEP Africa aims to bring greater visibility to professionals whose contributions are helping projects make progress and strengthen the continent’s clean energy transition.

About the EEP Africa Rising Energy Leader Award

Africa’s transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy systems depends on more than new technologies and investment. It also requires skilled professionals who can develop businesses, deliver projects, expand access to energy and help clean energy solutions reach communities and markets.

The EEP Africa Rising Energy Leader award recognises the people contributing to this work. Rather than focusing exclusively on senior executives or established industry figures, the initiative draws attention to emerging professionals who are building experience, demonstrating achievement and showing leadership potential.

Candidates should be able to demonstrate how their work has added value to a project supported by EEP Africa. This connection to the EEP Africa portfolio is a central eligibility requirement, meaning the award is not an open competition for every young professional working in the African energy sector.

Award Benefits and Recognition

The announced benefits include:

• Professional recognition: Selected individuals will be recognised as EEP Africa Rising Energy Leaders.
• Individual winner profiles: EEP Africa will develop a profile of each selected winner.
• Online visibility: Winner profiles will be shared through EEP Africa’s website and social media platforms.
• Continental industry exposure: Recognition provides an opportunity to bring attention to the work of emerging professionals contributing to Africa’s clean energy transition.
• Public announcement: The 2026 winners will be announced during EEP Africa Knowledge Week in February 2027.

The official call describes recognition and visibility as the award’s benefits. It does not specify a cash prize, salary, scholarship, investment or other financial award. Applicants should therefore approach it as a professional recognition opportunity.

Who Can Apply?

The award is open to young professionals who meet the age, project involvement and experience requirements set out by EEP Africa.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be no older than 35 years in 2026.
• Have added value to a project funded by EEP Africa.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing the clean energy transition in Africa.
• Have at least three years of experience in clean energy technology, sales or business models.
• Show professional growth or achievement within their company.
• Demonstrate the potential to become an emerging leader, with clear goals for the future.

Application Requirements

Candidates must complete the online nomination form and provide the information requested by EEP Africa.

The required application materials include:

• Curriculum vitae: A copy of the applicant’s CV must be submitted in English.
• EEP Africa project connection: Applicants must provide the name of the relevant project developer and explain their relationship with that organisation.
• Reference contact: Applicants must provide contact information for one reference from the relevant EEP Africa project developer. The reference may be a supervisor, colleague or mentor.

How to Apply

Interested and eligible professionals can submit their self nominations online by following these steps:

1. Review the eligibility criteria: Confirm that you are no older than 35 in 2026, have at least three years of relevant experience and have contributed to an EEP Africa funded project.
2. Identify your project connection: Confirm the name of the EEP Africa project developer and prepare a clear explanation of your relationship with the organisation.
3. Update your CV: Prepare an up to date curriculum vitae in English, highlighting your clean energy experience, responsibilities, achievements and professional development.
4. Select a reference: Identify a supervisor, colleague or mentor from the relevant EEP Africa project developer who can serve as your reference. Obtain their contact information before completing the form.
5. Complete the online nomination form: Visit the official EEP Africa Rising Energy Leader 2026 application page and provide the requested personal, professional and project information.
6. Review and submit: Check that your information is accurate, upload your English CV and submit the completed form before the closing date.