About the opportunity
The Rising Energy Leader award shines a spotlight on young professionals who are leading the clean energy transition in Africa. Up to a maximum of five nominees will be selected for recognition. Winners will be announced at the EEP Africa Knowledge Week, and a profile of each individual winner will be developed and shared across social media and the EEP Africa website.
Funding and benefits
- Recognition as a Rising Energy Leader by EEP Africa
- Announcement of winners at the EEP Africa Knowledge Week in February 2027
- Individual profile developed and shared across social media and the EEP Africa website
Who can apply?
- Any young person no older than 35 years in 2026
- Has added value to a project funded by EEP Africa
- Demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing the clean energy transition in Africa
- Possesses at least 3 years of experience with clean energy technology, sales, or business models
- Shows demonstrated professional growth or achievement within the company
- Acts as an emerging leader with goals for the future
Required documents
- CV in English
- Details about connection to the EEP Africa portfolio, including name of project developer and relationship to them
- Contact information for one reference such as a supervisor, colleague, or mentor from the relevant EEP Africa project developer
When to apply
- Nomination deadline is 20 November 2026
- Winners will be announced at the EEP Africa Knowledge Week in February 2027
How to apply
- Fill out the online application form
- Upload a copy of your CV in English
- Provide details about your connection to the EEP Africa portfolio
- Include contact information for one professional reference
Additional information
- EEP Africa is hosted and managed by the Nordic Development Fund with funding from Austria, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, NDF, Norway, and Switzerland.
- Self-nominations are accepted.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Young professionals currently or previously working within an EEP Africa-funded project developer company who want international recognition for their clean energy contributions.
- Early-to-mid career individuals with at least 3 years of hands-on experience in clean energy technology, sales, or sustainable business models.
- Emerging leaders eager to leverage professional profiling across social media and the official EEP Africa network to expand their career footprint.
What should you think carefully about?
- The award is strictly limited to individuals connected to the existing EEP Africa project portfolio.
- Applicants must meet the hard age limit of being no older than 35 years in 2026.
- The prize consists of professional recognition and media profiling rather than a direct cash grant or financial fellowship package.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This award is well-suited for ambitious young clean energy professionals seeking external validation, leadership visibility, and networking opportunities within the African renewable energy sector. It serves as a strong credential for a CV without requiring a prolonged time commitment beyond submitting the nomination form and CV.
Our take
Professionals who meet the age criteria and have directly contributed to an EEP Africa-supported project should seriously consider submitting a self-nomination before the November deadline. Those outside the EEP Africa portfolio will not be eligible.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verified
