The African Institute of Sustainable Energy and Systems Analysis (AISESA) has announced the recruitment of five Postdoctoral Research Fellows to advance its mission of building African-led knowledge and solutions for sustainable energy and development. These prestigious fellowships are designed exclusively for African scholars committed to shaping the continent’s energy future through rigorous research, innovative modelling, and policy influence.
AISESA’s Vision
Africa’s energy transition is central to achieving sustainable development, climate resilience, and inclusive economic growth. Recognizing that African realities require African-driven insights, AISESA was established to generate context-specific energy modelling tools, implementation pathways, and capacity-building initiatives that respond to the continent’s unique challenges and opportunities.
The institute places African scholars at the heart of this transformation, ensuring that policies and solutions reflect local knowledge systems while also engaging with global debates on energy and climate.
Fellowship Overview
The five postdoctoral positions will provide scholars with a rare opportunity to lead independent, Africa-focused research while collaborating with an international network of experts. Fellows will contribute to cutting-edge projects that bridge energy, climate, and development, producing outputs that directly inform policy decisions across Africa and beyond.
The programme combines academic excellence with practical impact, empowering fellows to publish in leading journals while ensuring their research contributes to real-world change.
Key Features of the Fellowship
- Collaboration with Experts
Fellows will work closely with leading African and international scholars in sustainable energy, economics, climate science, and systems modelling. This mentorship framework ensures academic rigour while enhancing fellows’ professional networks. - Research Leadership
Each fellow will design and implement a research agenda tailored to African energy and development priorities. This includes producing context-specific analysis, models, and pathways that can support governments, civil society, and private sector actors. - Policy Engagement
The fellowship emphasizes impact beyond academia. Fellows will contribute evidence-based recommendations to influence energy, climate, and development policies at national, regional, and continental levels. - Flexible Work Arrangements
Scholars can conduct research remotely while participating in periodic collaborative sessions at AISESA’s headquarters in Dakar, Senegal. This hybrid approach maximizes accessibility while fostering a shared institutional identity. - World-Class Mentorship
Fellows will be guided by distinguished scholars and practitioners associated with AISESA. The mentorship programme is designed to support career development, enhance methodological expertise, and strengthen engagement with policy communities.
Eligibility and Target Group
The fellowships are open to African scholars at the postdoctoral stage who demonstrate strong research capacity in fields related to energy, climate, sustainable development, economics, or systems analysis. Candidates should show evidence of previous research contributions, an ability to work independently, and a commitment to advancing Africa-centred approaches to energy and development.
Application Details
- Deadline: 17 October 2025
(The original deadline of 30 September has been extended to allow AISESA’s host institution, AKADEMIYA2063, to complete the online posting process.) - Application Portal: Applications must be submitted online through AKADEMIYA2063 between 26 September and 17 October 2025.
- Further Information: Details about the application process and required documents will be shared through the official posting once live.
Applicants are encouraged to prepare early, ensuring that their submissions highlight both academic credentials and a clear commitment to Africa-focused energy research.
About AISESA
The African Institute of Sustainable Energy and Systems Analysis (AISESA) is a pioneering initiative dedicated to equipping Africa with the knowledge, tools, and skills required to achieve a just and sustainable energy transition. Based in Dakar, Senegal, and hosted by AKADEMIYA2063, the institute brings together researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to co-create solutions for Africa’s energy challenges.
AISESA operates at the intersection of academic research, policy engagement, and capacity building, ensuring that its work has practical relevance for communities and decision-makers. By centring African expertise, the institute aims to shift the global discourse on energy and development to reflect the continent’s priorities.
Why This Fellowship Matters
The challenges of energy access, climate change, and sustainable development are deeply interconnected in Africa. With over half a billion people still lacking reliable access to electricity and increasing climate vulnerabilities, innovative solutions are urgently needed.
The AISESA Postdoctoral Fellowships respond to this need by investing in African scholars who can bridge research and policy. Fellows will not only contribute to academic debates but also provide evidence-based guidance for decision-making across sectors. This dual focus ensures that African voices shape both the scholarly and policy landscapes on energy and development.
Call to Action
The five Postdoctoral Fellowships at AISESA represent a transformative opportunity for African scholars to lead the continent’s energy transition. By combining rigorous research, mentorship from world-class experts, flexible work arrangements, and direct policy engagement, the fellowship is uniquely positioned to nurture the next generation of African thought leaders in energy and development.
As Africa seeks pathways to a sustainable and inclusive energy future, these fellowships stand as a crucial investment in building the knowledge and capacities required to achieve that vision.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hosting organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
