The African Energy Chamber Rolls out its 2023 Energy Scholarship Award to Promote Youth Participation in Energy

The African Energy Chamber has started its annual Energy Education Fund, which aims to assist young Africans pursuing undergraduate courses in oil, gas, and energy-related professions.

The Chamber will provide scholarships, fellowships, and mentorship programs to eligible students on the continent and in the diaspora through strategic collaborations with educational institutions. This comprehensive approach to assistance aims to cultivate the greatest brains in the energy sector, allowing them to effectively contribute to the continent’s energy transition and project development landscape. The Fund intends to build a new generation of qualified professionals who will contribute to Africa’s energy transformation and project development, including gas, nuclear, hydrogen, and other renewable energy projects, by investing in education and professional development.

.“When we empower the next generation of energy leaders, we empower Africa. We believe that by empowering young individuals with knowledge and financial support, we are fostering a brighter future for the energy industry in Africa. Through this scholarship, we aim to recognize academic excellence, promote diversity, and provide valuable opportunities for young professionals to engage with industry leaders. Together, we can shape a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous energy landscape for Africa,” states, NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.

The Chamber understands the need of investing in youth and promoting increased involvement and excellence as an organization dedicated to enhancing the African energy industry and fostering a sustainable energy future for the continent. The Chamber is convinced that the younger generation is crucial in influencing and driving the industry’s future. As a result, it is dedicated to assisting and developing young people who exhibit academic distinction and a desire to contribute to the energy sector.

The AEC Energy Education Fund 2023 acknowledges and awards eight exemplary students, with female students receiving special attention. Applicants must be under 35 years old and enrolled in undergraduate/postgraduate level courses in any oil, gas, or energy-related field to be eligible for the grant. The selection process will primarily be based on academic excellence, ensuring that recipients have demonstrated exceptional performance in their studies.

The beneficiaries will get financial assistance ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 in addition to the honor and respect associated with the AEC Energy Scholarship Award. This support is meant to alleviate the financial strain of pursuing higher education, allowing researchers to concentrate on their studies and professional growth in the energy sector.

Furthermore, the grantees will be granted a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend and actively participate in the youth forum at AEW 2023, the continent’s largest conference of energy stakeholders, which will be held in Cape Town from October 16 to 20, 2023. This session provides a venue for young people to network with industry leaders, share views, and discuss the future of the African energy sector.

The event itself offers unprecedented networking opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs, allowing delegates to develop vital connections that will accelerate their careers and accomplishments. The AEC Energy Scholarship Award recipients will acquire significant engagement opportunities, exposure to industry trends, and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful dialogues that determine Africa’s energy future.

Speaking about the Fund, Oneyka Cindy Ojogbo, an advisory board member of the Chamber and Fund manager stated “the Energy Education Fund holds great promise for both students and Africa as a whole. By investing in the education and professional development of African students in the energy sector, we are fostering a new generation of skilled professionals who will play a crucial role in driving Africa’s energy transformation. This fund not only empowers students to realize their full potential but also bolsters Africa’s capacity to meet the increasing demands of sustainable and new energy infrastructure and project development to improve energy access.”

The scholarship application period runs from June 2023 to August 31, 2023, and the awardees will be announced at African Energy Week 2023, the AEC’s main event for Africa’s energy sector.

The AEC Energy Scholarship Award 2023 application process is now open, and interested candidates should visit the AEC’s official website.