Free Training for Energy Policymakers : Africa Energy Efficiency Policy Training Week 2026 in South Africa
Applications are now open for the Africa Energy Efficiency Policy Training Week 2026, a major professional training opportunity bringing together policymakers and practitioners to strengthen energy efficiency policies across Africa.
The training will take place from 23–26 November 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa, and is being co-hosted by the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the Department of Electricity and Energy of South Africa (DEE).
The programme is organised in partnership with the African Energy Commission (AFREC) and the African Development Bank (AfDB).
There is no attendance fee for the training. However, selected participants will be responsible for covering their own travel and accommodation costs.
The application deadline is 23 October 2026.
About the Africa Energy Efficiency Policy Training Week
The Africa Energy Efficiency Policy Training Week is designed to provide participants with practical knowledge and skills for developing and implementing effective energy efficiency policies and programmes.
The training forms part of the IEA’s broader Energy Efficiency Policy Training Weeks, which have brought together more than 3,500 policymakers from over 130 countries since 2015.
The programme is delivered through the IEA’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Inclusive Transitions under its Energy Efficiency in Emerging Economies Programme (E4 Programme).
The 2026 Africa edition will give participants an opportunity to learn from international best practices while exchanging experiences with energy efficiency professionals from across the region and beyond.
The training also supports efforts to advance the global goal of doubling energy efficiency progress by 2030, while highlighting the social and economic benefits of improved energy efficiency.
Who Should Apply?
The training is primarily intended for energy efficiency policymakers, particularly professionals working in energy ministries and supporting government institutions.
However, applications are also welcome from professionals working in relevant sectors of industry and civil society, including:
- Academia
- Non-governmental organisations
- Industry
- Energy-related institutions
- Supporting organisations
The organisers particularly welcome applications from women working in energy efficiency.
All training courses will be delivered in English, making English proficiency an essential requirement for participants.
Five Energy Efficiency Training Tracks
Participants will be able to take part in one of five parallel training streams, each focusing on a major area of energy efficiency policy.
1. Buildings
The Buildings course will examine energy efficiency in the building sector within the broader transition towards net-zero emissions.
Participants will explore fundamentals of energy use in buildings, building design and technological solutions, as well as policies and investment instruments that can accelerate energy efficiency.
The course will also cover approaches to developing national roadmaps for achieving a net-zero transition in the buildings sector.
2. Appliances and Equipment
This training stream focuses on designing and implementing policies that improve the energy efficiency of appliances and equipment.
Participants will learn about policy packages that combine regulations, information and incentives to encourage higher efficiency standards.
The course is designed to provide both strategic knowledge and practical tools that participants can use in their own work.
3. Industry
The Industry stream will provide participants with knowledge and skills to design and implement energy efficiency programmes across different industrial subsectors.
The training will consider small, medium and large enterprises and examine policy approaches that can help businesses reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions while improving resilience and competitiveness.
4. Transport
The Transport course focuses on improving vehicle energy efficiency, with particular attention to electrification.
Participants will examine transport energy use and the multiple benefits associated with effective policy packages. Case studies will provide practical examples of best practices and lessons learned from real-world implementation.
By the end of the course, participants will have a better understanding of how to develop policy packages that can improve transport energy efficiency.
5. Indicators and Evaluation
This stream focuses on using data and evidence to develop energy efficiency policies, monitor progress and evaluate their impact.
Participants will learn about national energy efficiency indicators and how these can support policymaking and evaluation across different sectors.
The training will also introduce international best practices in monitoring and evaluation, helping participants understand how these approaches can be applied within their own institutions.
Training Format and Schedule
The Training Week will combine lectures, interactive discussions, practical exercises, case studies and peer-to-peer exchanges.
The schedule includes:
23 November 2026 — Morning: The programme opens with a high-level plenary featuring senior government officials and energy efficiency specialists.
23 November afternoon–25 November: Participants take part in their selected thematic training tracks, with targeted training and peer exchanges.
26 November: The final day focuses on implementation and networking, including practical strategies for promoting energy efficiency and group exercises designed to encourage regional collaboration.
Joint sessions will also address progress tracking, communication campaigns and the social and economic benefits of energy efficiency measures.
Is There a Training Fee?
There is no attendance fee for the Africa Energy Efficiency Policy Training Week 2026.
However, participants are responsible for covering their own travel and accommodation expenses.
The organisers indicate that additional logistical information about the venue will become available to assist participants with travel planning.
Applicants should therefore take these costs into account when deciding whether they can attend the programme in Johannesburg.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the Africa Energy Efficiency Policy Training Week 2026 is 23 October 2026.
The training will take place from 23–26 November 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline and ensure they can meet the travel and accommodation requirements if selected.
Method of Application
Applications are administered through an online application portal on the IEA website.
Interested professionals should complete the application before the deadline and provide the information requested by the organisers.
Successful applicants will be informed by email.
Because places are intended for professionals who can benefit from the policy training and apply the knowledge in their respective sectors, applicants should clearly demonstrate their relevant professional background and interest in energy efficiency.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE
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